This form is for phone inquiries to gather preliminary information about a specific inquiry. Information can be submitted to a staff member and then call transferred.

Telephone Scripts New Inquiries

Type of Inquiry*
- Adoption
- Annulment
- Divorce or Legal Separation
- Probate
- Name Change
- Other
Other Type of Case
Customer Info
Customer Name*
Client's Telephone # (in case get disconnected)*
Reason for Inquiry
- Looking for Help Preparing Documents
- General Information about our services
- Pricing for our Services
- Do it themselves
- Need Legal Advice
General Info or Help: We are a registered legal document assistant which means that we are not an attorney's office. We are licensed under California law to prepare a variety of different types of legal documents. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about your situation?
Pricing Questions: All of our services are quoted on a flat-fee basis for document preparation only, Keep in mind our fees do not include any third party costs such as court filing fees.
Do it Themselves: Unfortunately A People's Choice cannot offer "instruction" to people so they can prepare their own legal paperwork. We also cannot review paperwork people have prepared on their own. We are the perfect low-cost solution for your legal document preparation needs. However, if you are trying to complete your legal paperwork without hiring non-attorney, professional help, we would suggest you contact your local Court Self-Help service who offers that type of assistance.
Legal Advice: A People's Choice is not an attorneys office as unfortunately we cannot give legal advice. We are the perfect solution to get legal paperwork prepared at a low cost and can answer procedural questions, but if you need legal advice, you will need to talk to an attorney. You may wan to contact your County's local Bar Association for a referral consultation with a local attorney if you need legal advice.
Probate
Did the Decedent have a Will?*

Yes

No

I don't know
Did the Decedent have a Trust?*

Yes

No

I don't know
Does the Decedent own real property?*

Yes

No
Estimated Value of Real and Personal Property*
This is gross (sales value at date of death). Do not deduct for loans or mortgage.

$50,000 or less

$150,000 or less

Over $150,000
Was all real property and other assets titled in the name of the Trust?*
For real property this means a deed was recorded showing title in the name of the Trustee of the Trust. (ie. Jane Doe, Trustee of the Jane Doe Trust dated 1/2/1998)

Yes

No

I don't know
Was Decedent Married?*

Yes

No
Did the decedent have children?*
How many children?*
Please enter a number from 1 to 20.
Heirs in Agreement*
Are all heirs and beneficiaries in agreement and cooperating with each other?
If all assets of the decedent were in the name of the trust, the assets can be easily distributed per the terms of the trust through a trust administration process. Our fee is $399.00 for cases with one piece of real property and $200 for each additional piece of real property.
Probate Options
If the decedent didn't own any real property and the total value of ALL of their assets is $150,000 or less there is a very simple, non-court process that can be used to transfer the assets. Our fee is $225 and includes the document, legal and statutory information for the bank or agency and a letter that explains why this process is an acceptable manner under California law to transfer the decedent's assets.
If the decedent DID own real property and the value of the property and all assets is under $50,000, there is a simple court process that can be filed. ALL of the beneficiaries must be able to sign the documents as this process requires them to Petition together, however there is NO REQUIRED HEARING and the process is completed simply through the paperwork. A spouse could file this type of proceeding in lieu of a spousal property petition if the estate qualifies. Our fee is $649.00 which includes up to two pieces of real property and 4 Petitioners. If there is more than two pieces of real property, it is $100 for each additional property. If there are more than 4 Petitioners, it is $75 for each additional Petitioner.
If the decedent DID own real property and the value of the property and all assets is under $150,000 there is another small estate court process that can be filed. All of the beneficiaries must be able to sign the documents as this process requires them to Petition together. This process also requires a probate referee to appraise and value the assets. There is also one hearing involved. A spouse could file this type of proceeding in lieu of a spousal property petition if the estate qualifies. Our fee for the paperwork is $799.00 which includes 1 piece of real property and 4 Petitioners. It is an additional $75 for each additional Petitioner over 4 and $100 for each piece of real property over 1. The probate referee who values the assets also charges a fee but it is very reasonable and is .01% of the value of the assets that require appraisal. The probate referee typically has a minimum fee of $75 for very small estates.
If the person petitioning is a SPOUSE of the decedent, they may be able to file a spousal proceeding. This process ONLY deals with the transfer of spousal community property interest and NOT the potential inheritance interest of any children of the decedent or other heirs. It does not require a probate referee to appraise any assets but does require a court hearing. Our fee is $749.00 for cases with one piece of real property and it is $100 for each additional piece of real property. Alternatively, a small estate Petition or a full probate could be also filed.
Estates with real property that have a value OVER $150,000 will probably require a FULL PROBATE. Unlike attorneys who charge statutory fees based on the gross value of the estate, our office charges a very low flat fee.

NOTE: The statutory fees that an attorney would charge can be determined by using our online probate calculator

The probate process take about 7 months and as you can imagine, alot of things go on during that time. Our office manages the process for you, however, so we make it really easy for our clients. At minimum, there are two court hearings, one at the front end (about 45-60 days after the Petition has been filed) and one on the back end about 5-6 months after Letters are issued. Letters is the legal term used for the Document (court order) that gives the representative legal authority to act on behalf of the estate - sort of like a Driver's License - to be able to do things like talk to the bank etc.
Estimated Total Gross Value of Estate
(do not deduct for loans, mortgages, etc.) This figure will allow you to let the customer know how much they will save as compared to hiring an attorney for a full probate.
Family Law Divorce, Legal Separation or Annulment
How may years were you married?*
This would be the number of years from date of marriage to the date the parties stopped living together
Please enter a number from 1 to 60.
Assets/Debts*
Have you purchased any items together during your marriage or have either of you incurred debt separately or together?

Yes

No
Both Parties Agree*
Are you both in agreement regarding all of the issues surrounding your marriage?

Yes parties agree

No parties do not agree

Don't know if parties agree
In most of the cases we handle the parties agree. If this is not going to be the case in your situation, I will have you speak with one of our staff to discuss your situation in more detail.
Do you have minor children?*

Yes

No
Child Support Agreement*
Are you both agreeable to an amount of child support or a waiver of child support?

Yes

No

Don't know
County of Filing*
What county will you be filing your case in?
Los Angeles county requires a report calculating guideline child support, even if both parties agree. The cost to prepare this report is $100.00.
Does either party own real property separately or together?*

Yes

No
In addition to the fees for the divorce proceeding, If we need to prepare any transfer deed it will be $100 for each real property deed.
Division of Retirement accounts*
Is there going to be any formal division of a retirement plan, 401K plan or other form of retirement account?

Yes

No

I don't know
In order to divide a retirement account, a QDRO (qualified domestic relations order) will need to be prepared for EACH account. Fee for QDRO is $499.00 Some accounts require formal Joinder (such as CalPERS and CalSTRS. If the account requires a formal Joinder, the fee is an additional $250 for the Joinder documentation.
Parties can file an nncontested default divorce. No Marital Settlement would be prepared. Fees are $499.00. Court filing fee $435 (some courts $450)
Parties can file an uncontested default divorce if they both agree. Includes a Marital Settlement, Fees are $624.00 if the parties do NOT own real property and $775 if one or both DO OWN real property. Court filing fee $435 (some courts $450)
Legal Basis For Annulment*
An annulment can only be filed if you have a legal basis under California law to have the marriage annulled. You cannot annul a marriage simply because it is a "SHORT"marriage. The Judge must be able to determine whether or not your marriage is invalid or illegal. Keep in mind that an annulment requires a COURT HEARING at which you would be required to testify at the hearing as to your legal basis for the annulment. If the judge approves your legal basis, the court will make a Judgment of annulment at the hearing, so the process is fairly quick. What is your basis for asking for an annulment.

Marriage was Incestuous

Marriage was Bigamous

A party was already married when they got married (meaning one of them thought they were divorced but they were not)

Unsound mind - Meaning one of the parties was drunk or mentally ill when they got married

Fraud - Meaning a person got married under false pretenses by the other party

Force

Physical incapacity to consummate
Adoption
Type of Adoption

Adult Adoption

Stepparent Adoption

Other Adoption
Adoptors/Adoptee in Adult Adoption

1 adult person adopting another adult person

2 adult persons adopting another adult person
An adult may adopt another adult (over age 18). There must be at least 10 years age difference between the person adopting and the person being adopted.

Adult adoptions do not circumvent US immigration processes or proceedings. A person can adopt a non-citizen but it does not give them a leg up with regards to immigration procedures.

If either party is married, the consent of the adoptor's spouse or adoptee's spouse is required.

The person being adopted can change their name and information on their birth certificate if they want. It is strictly optional to change your name or to modify your birth certificate.

The process requires completion of various legal documents and one court hearing. The case can be filed in the county where either the adoptor or the adoptee live. Both parties do not need to reside in California, but at least one does.

At the hearing the court will sign the Order re Adoption and the case is concluded at that time.

No adoption/court investigation is necessary and the consent of the parents of the personal being adopted is not required.

The biological parents are not notified of any proceedings in an adult adoption.

Hearings on adult adoptions can usually be set within a few weeks from the filing of the Petition. however, it varies dramatically between the courts as to when these matters are set. Some court have set the hearing out a month or more. Sometimes we can specially request the hearing be scheduled within a certain range of dates.
ADULT ADOPTION FEES

Fees: $499 (1 person adopting) OR $599 (2 people adopting)

Court Filing Fee: Usually $20 most courts but some charge as much as $150
Stepparent adoptions are between a stepparent (or domestic partner) and a minor child. If the person being adopted is over 18, the parties can file a much simpler process called an Adult Adoption.

Stepparent Adoptions are started by filing the Adoption Request with the court. The case is filed in the county where the stepparent and child live.

The county will contact the person who filed the Adoption and conduct an investigation. This investigation is simple to make sure that the person adopting the minor is will not put the minor in harms way. It is rare for an investigator not to file a positive report. The fee charged by each county varies, but it is typically between $500 to $700.
Stepparent Adoption - Parental Consent

Biological parent(s) will consent

One or both biological parent(s) will not consent

Do not know if parent(s) will consent
Under certain circumstances the party filing the adoption can file a Petition to request to terminate a parent's rights. Terminating parental rights is a separate legal process within the adoption proceeding and would be additional fees ranging between $399 to $599 depending on the basis for termination of rights.
STEPPARENT ADOPTION FEES

Fees: $499 (1 child adopting) OR $649 (2 children adopting)

Court Filing Fee: Usually $20
Name Change
Person(s) seeking name change

Adult for legal name change

Minor for legal name change

Adult and minor(s) for legal name change

Adult to return to maiden name after divorce
Our document Preparation fees for a name change of one person is $399.00. If it is a parent and one child are changing their name together, the fee is $450.00.

The court filing fee is an additional $435.00 unless you qualify for a low-income fee waiver.

After the initial paperwork is filed with the court, the process requires publication of a formal notice in a newspaper. That is a requirement by law. That fee for publication varies between newspapers but on average the publication costs between $130 and $250 typically.

The process consists of preparing and filing paperwork. Our office will facilitate arranging the publication process and getting the hearing set. You will need to attend the hearing in person. If a minor's name is being changed, the other parent will need to be notified and formally served the notice as well.

As long as there are no objections, the Judge will sign the Order approving the name change and then you can take the order to the various agencies such as Social Security and DMV to get your name changed on the record.
Our document Preparation fees to revert to maiden name after divorce is $100.00 (plus $25 for the certified copy of order). Does not require hearing and can be completed within approx. 15-30 days.
Other Information
Action Taken*

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Special Comments

Telephone Scripts New Inquiries

Customer Info

Probate

Probate Options

Family Law Divorce, Legal Separation or Annulment

Adoption

Name Change

Other Information

Will Documents

Trust Documents

Individual Estate Documents

Will Documents

Trust Documents

Individual Estate Documents

Description of Will Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will (individual)	$200
Codicil to Will	$125
Will package (individual) includes Will, Healthcare Directive and Financial Power of Attorney	$250
Will package (couple) includes 2 Wills, 2 Healthcare Directives and 2 Financial Powers of Attorney	$399
Other Services	Call for Quote

Description of Trust Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Individual) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing revocable trust)	$300
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Couple) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing trust)	$400
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Individual) Includes Trust, Pour-over Will, Certificate of Trust, Healthcare Directive, Financial Power of Attorney and estate folder	$499
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Couple) Includes joint trust, 2 Pour-over Wills, Certificate of Trust, 2 Healthcare Directives, 2 Financial Powers of Attorney and estate folder	$650
Special Needs Trust Designed for beneficiaries with physical or mental disabilities.	$700
Irrevocable Medi-Cal and/or VA Planning Trust	$700
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)

Description of Individual Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will	$200
Healthcare Directive	$125
Financial Power of Attorney	$125
Codicil to Will	$125
Trust Amendment	$200 and up
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275
Other Services	Call for Quote

Conservatorships Services We Offer	Price
Standard Conservatorship of Person AND/OR Estate (1 Petitioner) with or without Dementia Orders (Documents Only)	$1500
Limited Conservatorship for Developmentally Disabled (Documents Only)	$1200
Add-on Fees for Emergency Ex Parte Conservatorship (limited or standard)	+$300
Additional co-petitioner fee to any Conservatorship Petition	+$200
Add-on Fees for application for notice waivers and order	+$300
Add-on Fees for case management through Petition phase. Services include scheduling of any associated hearings, facilitating filing of documents with the court and other management services typically required to complete your Petition request	+$250
Standard preparation time is 10-14 business days. Rush preparation of all documentation is available for additional fee	$350+