Fresno is the largest city in the Central Valley and the fifth-largest in California, home to more than 545,000 residents and a homeowner base whose property values have climbed sharply over the past decade. As Fresno homes have appreciated, far more families now hold estates large enough to trigger California’s statutory probate fees, which makes planning ahead more valuable here than it once was.
Every probate matter for Fresno residents is filed at the Fresno County Superior Court, and Greg Roberts has represented executors, administrators, and trustees in that court for more than thirty years.
Life here has a way of moving quickly. Between running a business downtown, raising kids near Woodward Park, or simply keeping up with life’s curveballs, it’s easy to push estate planning to the bottom of the list. But the truth is, planning ahead can prevent a whole lot of heartache later.
A solid estate plan can include wills, trusts, and healthcare directives—things that make sure your wishes are clear if you’re not around to explain them. Without them, your loved ones may find themselves tangled up in probate court, facing delays and unnecessary stress.
I’ve seen families go through that process, and it’s not something you want for yours. A well-crafted trust or will can help keep things straightforward, allowing your assets to pass smoothly to the people you care about. And it doesn’t have to be intimidating—the team at The Barrus and Roberts, PC works with clients step by step, making sure everything is explained in plain language.
Probate has a reputation for being long and frustrating, and honestly, in many cases, that reputation isn’t wrong. But sometimes it’s unavoidable. If someone passes without a proper estate plan, probate may be necessary to sort things out legally.
In Fresno, where families are often spread out across the Central Valley, probate can become even more complex. The Barrus and Roberts, PC helps families navigate that process with compassion and clarity. While no one looks forward to probate, having a trusted attorney guide you through it can make all the difference.
On the other side of things, Fresno is full of entrepreneurs. From small family-run restaurants to tech start-ups trying to take root, people here have no shortage of ambition. But forming an LLC or corporation isn’t just about filing a document—it’s about setting your business up for stability and growth.
I’ve heard stories of friends who launched a business quickly without the right structure, only to run into tax headaches or personal liability down the line. That’s exactly what business formation services are meant to prevent. Whether it’s drafting operating agreements, setting up LLCs, or creating a corporate framework, The Barrus and Roberts, PC helps business owners in Fresno lay a strong foundation.
California sets probate attorney and executor compensation by statute under Probate Code Section 10810, calculated as a percentage of the gross value of the estate rather than the equity. On a Fresno home worth $600,000 that still carries a $400,000 mortgage, the fees are figured on the full $600,000, so combined statutory fees can exceed $26,000 even though the family’s real equity is far smaller. A funded revocable living trust removes the home from probate entirely and avoids both those fees and the twelve-to-twenty-four-month court timeline.
Because the trust only works if the house is actually titled in it, Greg Roberts handles the deed transfer that funds the trust as part of every Fresno estate plan, alongside a pour-over will, durable power of attorney, and advance health care directive. The result is a plan that keeps a Fresno home out of court and passes it to the next generation privately.
One thing people don’t always realize is how closely estate planning and business formation connect. If you own a business in Fresno, it’s not just about today—it’s also about what happens to that business in the future.
Think of it like this: you’ve worked for years building up your company, and suddenly something happens to you. Without planning, your business could face uncertainty, disputes, or even closure. But by combining business formation strategies with estate planning, you can protect your legacy and make sure your hard work continues.
What I like about The Barrus and Roberts, PC is that it doesn’t feel like you’re being handed a stack of legal jargon. Instead, the process feels approachable—like sitting down with someone who genuinely cares about what happens to your family or your business.
I’ve talked with people who went in nervous and came out relieved, saying, “That wasn’t as scary as I thought.” And that’s the goal: to make planning ahead something you can handle without stress.
If you’re in Fresno and thinking about setting up an estate plan or forming a business, the best advice I can give is: don’t wait. Whether you’re a young family buying your first home near Clovis, a retiree enjoying life near the Tower District, or an entrepreneur sketching out a business plan over coffee downtown, there’s real value in having things set up the right way.
The Barrus and Roberts, PC is here to help with:
You can learn more or reach out at www.brlawyer.net.
Estate planning and business formation might not be the most exciting topics to bring up over dinner, but they’re some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. And in Fresno, where families and businesses are the backbone of the community, it’s worth taking the time to do it right.
The Barrus and Roberts, PC provides guidance that’s not just about documents—it’s about people, relationships, and long-term security. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
California statutory probate fees under Probate Code Section 10810 are based on the gross value of the estate, not your equity. On a $600,000 Fresno home, combined attorney and executor fees can exceed $26,000 regardless of the mortgage balance. A funded living trust avoids these fees entirely.
All probate for Fresno residents is filed at the Fresno County Superior Court. Greg Roberts has appeared in that court since 1989.
A typical Fresno County probate runs twelve to twenty-four months from filing to final distribution. A living trust bypasses the court and usually settles a straightforward estate in a matter of months.
Yes. By keeping your home and accounts out of Fresno County probate, a properly funded revocable living trust avoids the statutory fees and long timeline that probate imposes, and it keeps your affairs private.
Get Started Today
Estate planning is not something to put off. If you own a home, have children, run a business, or simply want to make sure your wishes are honored, a properly drafted estate plan is one of the most important things you can do for your family.
Contact Barrus and Roberts PC today to schedule a consultation. Call 559-431-6800 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will follow up within one business day.