How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Butte County, California?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Butte County.
We found 5 estate law firms serving Butte County. Butte County is part of the Chico & Butte County region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Butte County Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division.
California uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Butte County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in California are set by statute as a percentage of the estate's value, so every Butte County attorney charges the same schedule. Price isn't the variable — experience with the Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division and responsiveness are.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Chico & Butte County Firms
Law Offices of Daniel H. Alexander, APLC
Solo PracticeProbate, Estate Planning, and Business Planning attorney serving Northern California since 1996. Offices in Chico, Rocklin, Sacramento, and Lake Almanor.
Location
901 Bruce Rd, Suite 230Chico, CA 95928
Phone
(530) 317-3669
Established
1996
Service Area
6 counties
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust Administration
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Brett A. Gilman Attorney at Law
Solo PracticeSolo estate planning and probate practice in Chico with over 30 years of experience since 1993. Brett A. Gilman personally handles every client file, with services including wills, trusts, trust administration, and probate.
Location
140 Yellowstone Drive, Suite 120Chico, CA 95973
Phone
(530) 343-4318
Established
1993
Service Area
2 counties
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate
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Law Offices of Spencer M. Gysin
Solo PracticeServes Butte County from Chico. Handles trust and estate administration alongside estate planning, drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, with the founding attorney handling each file start to finish. Solo practice established in 2011.
Location
1395 Ridgewood Drive, Suite 300Chico, CA 95973
Phone
(530) 838-4111
Established
2011
Service Area
1 county
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationLandlord Tenant
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Harris & Plottel, LLP
FirmChico firm serving Butte County and the northern Sacramento Valley since 1985, regularly representing executors and trustees in administering a decedent's estate. Its probate and trust administration group also handles elder law, long-term care planning, special needs trusts, and Medi-Cal asset preservation.
Location
466 Vallombrosa AveChico, CA 95926
Phone
(530) 893-2882
Established
1985
Service Area
9 counties
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateElder LawMedicaid Planning
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Firms from Neighboring Regions
These firms are based in other regions but serve Butte County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The California self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
California sets probate attorney fees by statute. Butte County attorneys charge the same schedule as the rest of the state — there is no county-level variation. Use the probate cost calculator to see the dollar amount for your estate size.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: June 2026.
Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division
Butte County
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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