Probate Administrator San Francisco
A San Francisco Probate Administrator may be appointed by the court after the death of an individual to manage the estate in accordance with California probate law. Once the court issues Letters Testamentary (or Letters of Administration), the administrator is empowered to collect and safeguard assets, pay creditors, and distribute the remainder to heirs or beneficiaries. For context on fiduciary authority, see the role and purpose of a court-appointed receiver and qualifications of a receiver. In many cases, Stephen Donell has been appointed as a neutral, third-party probate administrator in San Francisco and throughout California. For additional guidance, refer to the California Courts Self-Help—Probate and the California Probate Code.
Who We Work With
We work closely with trust and estate attorneys in San Francisco handling complex or contested probate matters where impartial administration is critical to safeguarding beneficiaries’ interests. Estates often include significant real estate or operating businesses; in such cases, we coordinate with our Real Estate Receiver and Business Receiver teams. Where co-owners cannot agree on real property disposition, attorneys often pursue a court-supervised sale through a Partition Referee in San Francisco.
Tailored to the Case
We adapt our experience, licensing, and professional credentials to each estate. Where appropriate, we may also recommend tools such as partition referees or forensic accounting for asset tracing and financial reporting.
Neutral and Impartial
We serve with full neutrality under court order. For context, see what are the powers of a court receiver? and who cannot be appointed.
Dispute Minimization
Independent oversight reduces conflict among heirs and keeps cases aligned with court directives. For background, see when is a receiver appointed over a company? and types of court receivers.
California Probate Expertise
With extensive experience across California probate courts, including San Francisco Superior Court, we manage procedural requirements and deadlines effectively. For insight into case duration, 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 administer estates with a wide range of complex assets, including:
Real estate (single-family, multifamily, commercial, land) — supported by our Real Estate Receiver team; in cases with unsafe conditions, see our resource on health & safety receiverships.
Operating businesses & partnerships — stabilized and managed in collaboration with our Business Receiver and financial consulting professionals.
Financial accounts, securities, and settlement funds — with transparent administration provided by our Distribution Agent services.
High-value personal property such as jewelry, art, and collectibles — managed through professional appraisals and, if required, supported by expert witness testimony (including real estate and contract disputes).
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 San Francisco
FedReceiver, Inc., a family-operated firm founded by James Donell, provides decades of experience in probate and fiduciary appointments.
Our professionals have served in leadership positions within the California Receivers Forum (CRF) and the National Association of Federal Equity Receivers (NAFER), and regularly contribute to Resources that explain California probate and receivership practice, including how receivers are appointed and the 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.
