Schuyler V.V. Hoffman
Schuyler V.V. Hoffman
Shareholder
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Business Consulting
Probate Attorneys
We Protect Your Family, Assets & Peace of Mind
Probate often comes at the worst possible time: when you’re already grieving and overwhelmed. This stress can compound when you’re faced with drawn-out timelines, unexpected expenses, and family conflict that often arises during probate. Even with a will in place, probate can create unexpected challenges:
Delays
Every filing, hearing, and required notice can slow down the process. Disputes or mistakes make it worse, leaving families waiting far longer than they should to reach resolution.
Costs that Shrink Estate Value
Court fees, taxes, and attorney costs can add up quickly. Without proper strategy, the value of the estate can be eroded, leaving heirs with less than intended.
Disputes that Divide Families
Wills that are unclear, outdated, or contested can trigger painful disputes between heirs. These conflicts not only drain resources but also risk damaging relationships permanently.
This is where our probate lawyers excel.
We minimize delays, resolve disputes before they escalate, and protect what matters most: your family and your legacy. Whether you’re seeking an experienced probate lawyer or a full-service legal team, we provide the clarity and strategy probate demands.
How We Resolve Common Probate Challenges
Our probate attorneys know where cases break down and how to keep them on track. We provide hands-on counsel for executors, administrators, and beneficiaries, giving clients the strategy they need to:
Streamline the process:
We cut through procedural slowdowns and keep cases on track so families aren’t left in limbo for months or years.
Protect assets:
From tax planning to creditor claims, we work to preserve the estate’s value and prevent unnecessary loss.
Resolve family disputes:
Our probate attorneys work to defuse tensions whenever possible, using negotiation or mediation. And if litigation becomes necessary, we’re prepared to fight for a fair outcome.
Handle complex estates:
For estates involving businesses, real estate, or high-value assets, our cross-disciplinary team ensures nothing is overlooked.
Why Client Trust Our Probate Attorneys
We don’t just move cases through the system. We protect estate value, resolve disputes, and keep the process on track. Here’s what sets our team apart:
The Team Behind the Results
Our attorneys are trusted with complex matters because they bring more than credentials—they bring results.
This is a team built for clients who expect insight, action, and accountability at every turn.
Daniel R. Forde
Daniel R. Forde
Shareholder
Civil Litigation, Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Business Consulting, …See More
Angela Elpers Barnes
Angela Elpers Barnes
Managing Attorney
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Amanda Allen
Amanda Allen
Senior Associate
Business, Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Dalia Astalos
Dalia Astalos
Associate
Landlord-Tenant Law, Commercial Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Trust & Estates Litigation, …See More
Alison Barry
Alison Barry
Senior Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Victoria Boynton
Victoria Boynton
Senior Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Transactional and Litigation, Business Advisement
Jim Buche
Jim Buche
Of-Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Michael Dicks
Michael Dicks
Senior Trial Attorney
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Personal Injury
Christina Elhaddad
Christina Elhaddad
Senior Associate
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Immigration Law
Alanna Haefner
Alanna Haefner
Senior Associate
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate , Commercial Real Estate, Tax Advisory
Mia Kelly
Mia Kelly
Senior Counsel
Real Estate Litigation, General Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Employment Law, …See More
Nicholas Kritikos
Nicholas Kritikos
Of-Counsel
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Business Consulting, …See More
Matt LeFevre
Matt LeFevre
Junior Associate
Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Boundary Disputes, Business Consulting
Ian McKinley
Ian McKinley
Senior Associate
Eminent Domain/Inverse Condemnation, Business Torts, Boundary Disputes, Shareholder & Member Derivative Litigation, …See More
Joshua Morrison
Joshua Morrison
Junior Associate
Adam Reifman
Adam Reifman
Senior Associate
Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Law — Entity Formation & Planning, Easement & Land Use, …See More
William H. Sauls
William H. Sauls
Of-Counsel
Estate Planning, Tax Advisory, Business Consulting
Stefan Seper
Stefan Seper
Attorney
Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law , Commercial Real Estate, Habitability Issues, …See More
Shelly Ann Stewart
Shelly Ann Stewart
Junior Associate
Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation
Michael Stuart
Michael Stuart
Of-Counsel
Criminal Defense, Restraining Orders, Civil Litigation, Administrative Law
Vincent Russo
Vincent Russo
Senior Counsel
Trust & Probate Litigation, Business Law, Real Estate Law
Our Paralegals
Our dedicated paralegals are the behind-the-scenes experts who ensure our firm runs smoothly. They play a critical role in our client-focused approach, enabling our attorneys to deliver the highest quality service with precision and care.
What Our
Clients Say
Our Philosophy
Positive outcomes start with clear communication, practical solutions, and follow-through. That’s our philosophy—and what we deliver to every client who entrusts us with protecting what matters most.
Proudly Serving San Diego &
the North Coast
From Bankers Hill to La Jolla, Hoffman & Forde represents clients across Southern California with clear counsel, strategic insight, and results that hold up under pressure.