Howard E. Kane

I began practicing law in 1990. Prior to beginning my career, I attended UCLA from 1983-1987 with a B.A. in History. I then attended the University of California College of the Law San Francisco from 1987 to 1990. I have also been a licensed California Real Estate Broker since 1996.

My main practice areas include Probate and Trust Administration, and full-service Real Estate attorney and broker services. I have brokered hundreds of real estate transactions throughout the Bay Area since 1996.

Call me for a free consultation at 510.292.0193. If you prefer to text to set up a consultation, my cell number is 510.853.1331. My email is hekanelaw@gmail.com.

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees

California

Since 1990

Real Estate Broker

H.E. Kane & Co.

1996 - Current

Attorney

Law Office of Howard E. Kane

1990 - Current

Judicial Extern to Hon. David V. Kenyon

United States District Court, Los Angeles, CA

1989 - 1989

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

J.D. (1990) | Law

Communications and Entertainment Law Journal

University of California - Los Angeles

B.A. (1987) | History

Best Probate Lawyers in Berkeley

Expertise.com

2023

Client Reviewed 5.0/5.0

Martindale-Hubbell

2023

UCLA Alumni Merit Scholar

UCLA Alumni Association

1983

WealthCounsel

Member

Current

ElderCounsel

Member

Current

Contra Costa County Bar Association

Member

1997 - Current

Activities: Probate Section

Alameda County Bar Association

Member

1997 - Current

Activities: Probate Section

California State Bar  # 151711

Member

1990 - Current

Real Estate Broker - Credential ID DRE No. 01206186

California Department of Real Estate

1996

Q. What form do I use for a Proposed Order in a California probate case?

August 15, 2025

A: There is no judicial council form for an Order granting a Petition for Final Distribution. Orders are typically drafted from scratch. Some jurisdictions such as the Superior Court of San Diego County have local forms for proposed Orders. Their local form is number PR-130 and can be found on their website. In addition, you will need to draft a formal Accounting unless the accounting is waived by . Sample accountings are best accessed at your local law library. The librarians will point you in the right direction.

Q. What should my sister do about the divorce decree since her husband has passed away in CA?

August 14, 2025

A: I'm sorry to hear about the situation. A personal representative of your sister's ex-husband's estate will need to be appointed to finalize the divorce decree. If there is no divorce decree, then the estate may belong to your sister. Your sister should consult with her divorce attorney and a probate attorney if the divorce decree was finalized.

Q. Sibling vs Guardian Ad Litem for Administrator in CA probate case.

May 14, 2025

A: California Probate Code section 8461 provides the priority list for appointing an administrator over a decedent's estate. The list includes the following people in the following order of priority:

(a) Surviving spouse or domestic partner

(b) Children

(c) Grandchildren

(d) Other issue

(e) Parents

(f) Brothers and sisters

A surviving child can nominate someone, such as their parent, if the child wishes to or otherwise is unable to serve as administrator. The nominated person will ordinarily be appointed over someone with lower priority. If there is a compelling reason why the parent of the only child should not serve, then you should object to their appointment.

Regarding their appointment as special administrator, notice to family members and those entitled to notice should have been done prior to their appointment. In theory, a petition can be brought to terminate the special administrator's appointment if there were procedural defects in how they were appointed. ... Read More