If you’ve recently lost a loved one and been named as an executor of their will, let us first extend our condolences for what you’re going through. We understand how hard it can be when a family member passes, and especially how difficult it can be to navigate the legal implications that follow. However, if they passed away without having their affairs in order, the California probate process will likely be necessary before you or your loved one’s other beneficiaries can receive any of their assets. 

Unfortunately, probate can be an extremely complicated process to deal with on your own. Our compassionate El Dorado Hills probate lawyer can help you understand your legal options, remain legally compliant throughout probate, and settle your family’s estate, resolving probate in the smoothest way possible. Call today to schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer who cares! 

What Is Probate?

Probate, also known as estate administration, is a legal process in California that consists of proving the validity of a decedent’s will (if it exists) or determining how assets will be distributed if there isn’t one. Probate typically isn’t necessary if a proper estate plan or trust was created or the decedent owned assets jointly. Probate also won’t be necessary for countable assets that are worth less than $184,000. 

When you’re named as an executor of an estate, there are several legal duties that you’ll be responsible for, which include:

• Filing a petition with the appropriate court
• Notifying beneficiaries and heirs of the decedent’s passing
• Taking an inventory of assets and having them appraised
• Notifying creditors of the decedent’s passing and paying off remaining debts like medical bills and taxes
• Filing a final tax return
• Distributing assets
• Settling the estate
• And more!

How Our El Dorado Hills Probate Lawyer Can Help You

The first reason you should work with our El Dorado Hills probate attorney is so you can focus on grieving your loved one. The last thing anyone wants to do after a death in the family is take on tedious legal paperwork. Probate isn’t fun, and it can be difficult to have a clear mind when you’re suffering. Our El Dorado Hills probate lawyer can take care of extensive legal documentation and ensure that you don’t miss any of the necessary legal steps required to settle the estate so that you can focus on moving on. 

Before proceeding with the probate process, our lawyer will assess whether it is necessary at all. It’s possible that there might be alternative methods or workarounds that you may not be aware of. If probate does need to take place, we can explain how it works and what California laws will affect your unique situation; after all, no two estates are the same. We’ll make sure you’re aware of your legal responsibilities and advise and guide you through each one. We can also shield you from making mistakes so you can avoid any additional legal fees. 

An unfortunate but common occurrence in probate is disputes amongst family members. Luckily, we’ve been practicing estate planning and probate law for several years, so we’re familiar with the types of disputes that can come up, and we know how to handle them before they escalate further. 

At our firm, every client is important to us. We want to help you face the difficult legal challenges life has thrown your way so that you can close this chapter of life and move forward to the next. Let us apply our knowledge and 21 years of experience to your case so that we can help you reach the best possible outcome. Call today for a consultation to learn about the next steps in settling your loved one’s estate.