Johnston|thomas Probate Lawyers

probate lawyers in sonoma county the term “probate” can be confusing because it can apply to a specific court proceeding or it can also apply to a specific department or division of the superior court. added to this confusion is the negative image that has been conveyed to the general public, whether by public or private means. probate defined in order to clear up this confusion, it is helpful to know the difference between the actual court process and the specific department or division of the court. to be clear, the probate court is, in most counties of california, a specific department of the superior court and is often referred to as the “probate court.” the probate court will hear and decide matters dealing with: • trust administration • guardianships • conservatorships • powers of attorney • name changes • distribution of estates • trust and will contests the probate proceeding is a specific administration proceeding that is supervised by the probate court that involves trans