Probate Administrator Orange County
A Probate Administrator in Orange County may be appointed by the court after someone passes away to manage the estate in compliance with California probate law. Once the court issues Letters Testamentary (or Letters of Administration), the administrator is authorized to identify and safeguard assets, pay valid debts, and distribute the remainder to heirs or beneficiaries. Many of our matters involve court appointments where Stephen Donell serves as a neutral, third-party probate administrator. For additional background on fiduciary authority, see the role and purpose of a court-appointed receiver and the qualifications of a receiver.
Who We Work With
We work exclusively with trust and estate attorneys in Orange County on complex or contested matters where impartial administration ensures fair treatment of the estate and its beneficiaries. Estates frequently include significant real estate holdings or operating businesses; in such cases, we coordinate with our Real Estate Receiver and Business Receiver teams to stabilize assets. When co-owners disagree on the use or sale of real property, counsel may also pursue a court-ordered sale through a Partition Referee.
Tailored to the Case
Every estate is unique. We align our experience, licensing, and credentials with the specific needs of each case and, when appropriate, recommend complementary fiduciary tools such as forensic accounting for complex tracing or reporting and partition referees for resolving property disputes.
Neutral and Impartial
As court-appointed professionals, we operate with complete neutrality and accountability. For context on authority and limitations, see what are the powers of a court receiver? and who cannot be appointed as a receiver in California?.
Dispute Minimization
Independent, third-party oversight helps reduce conflict, improve efficiency, and keep probate matters on a clear, court-guided path. For related insights, see when is a receiver appointed over a company? and types of court receivers.
California Probate Expertise
Our team has experience working within Orange County Superior Court procedures as well as statewide probate practice. We understand the timelines, reporting obligations, and closure processes involved. For parallels, see the life cycle of a court receivership, how long can a receivership last?, and termination of a court-appointed receiver.
Types of Cases We Handle
We regularly administer estates involving:
Real Estate – Single-family homes, multifamily housing, commercial properties, and vacant land. Where health or safety issues exist, we coordinate with health & safety receivership resources.
Operating Businesses & Interests – Managed with the support of our Business Receiver and consulting teams.
Financial Accounts, Securities & Settlement Proceeds – When distributions must be court-supervised, we also act as Distribution Agent.
High-Value Personal Property – Including jewelry, art, and collectibles, supported by expert valuation and, when needed, expert witness testimony.
Clients Who Trusted Us
Locations Served
We provide probate administration services in California.
Los Angeles, Riverside, San Francisco, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Ventura, San Diego, Orange County, and the California District Court
California
How we work together
Every case is different. We match our training, experience, licensing, and credentials with the needs of each estate to determine the most appropriate remedy including successor trustee or interim trustee roles where appropriate.
We take a pragmatic, impartial, and court-compliant approach to probate administration that protects estate value, minimizes conflict, and facilitates timely resolution.
Reach out
Reach out to us via our contact page.
Set an Appointment
An initial call will allow for an initial assessment of the proposed case.
Sample Pleadings & Orders
FedReceiver has a vast library of exemplars including motions seeking appointment of provisional director, orders appointing provisional director and memorandum of points & authorities.
References
We offer excellent references with local and national law firms, accounting firms and clients.
Court Experience
Given our decades of experience and hundreds of cases, we have appeared in state/federal court and have excellent relationships with numerous courts/judges.
Probate Administrator FAQs
Who is a Probate Administrator?
A Probate Administrator is assigned by the court to oversee the financial and legal affairs of a deceased individual who did not leave a valid will. They manage the estate’s assets, debts, and final distributions.
When does the court appoint a Probate Administrator?
A Probate Administrator is appointed by the court in situations where someone dies without a valid will (intestate) or if the executor nominated in the will is either unable or unwilling to manage the estate. Typically, the court chooses a suitable individual such as a close relative or a professional administrator.
What are the main duties of a Probate Administrator?
Their responsibilities may include preparing an inventory of all estate assets, settling any outstanding debts or liabilities, distributing the remaining assets according to state inheritance laws, and regularly updating the court on their actions and progress.
How long does probate typically last?
The probate process can vary in duration, often taking from several months up to a few years, depending on the size and complexity of the estate and the speed of court proceedings.
Is a Probate Administrator paid for their work?
Yes, Probate Administrators receive compensation determined by applicable state regulations or court guidelines. This compensation is paid from the estate before distributing remaining funds to the beneficiaries.
Review the chapter authored by Mr. Donell
Reviving the Financially Distressed Business
Reviving The Financially Distressed Business is the essential guide for business owners and corporate leaders whose companies are under—or anticipating—financial difficulties. See Chapter 11, Receiverships, written by Court Receiver Stephen Donell, CCIM, CPM
Steve Donell’s contribution to the book “Reviving a Financially Distressed Business” reflects not only his expertise as a receiver, but his sound judgment on how receivership can be used to effectively advance a financially troubled business.”
– Brian Davidoff, Esq. Author and Editor
About Our Probate Administrators in Orange County
FedReceiver, Inc. is a family-operated firm founded by James Donell.
Our professionals have served as leaders in the California Receivers Forum (CRF) and the National Association of Federal Equity Receivers (NAFER), and frequently contribute to Resources that explain California practice (e.g., how receivers are appointed and legal standards for probate-related appointments).
Meet the team: About / Team.
Stephen J. Donell Los Angeles
President of FedReceiver, Inc., Jalmar Properties, Inc. and Donell Expert Services, Inc.
Todd D. Donell Los Angeles
Executive Vice President of FedReceiver, Inc. and Jalmar Properties, Inc.
James H. Donell Founder and CEO of FedReceiver, Inc. and Jalmar Properties, Inc.
Founder and CEO of FedReceiver, Inc. and Jalmar Properties, Inc.
Sarah R. Bates Los Angeles
Vice President of FedReceiver, Inc. and Jalmar Properties, Inc.
