Los Angeles Probate Attorneys
Experienced Probate Lawyers Helping Families in Los Angeles County Close Out Estates
Our Los Angeles probate lawyers at Chung & Ignacio, LLP provide sound legal counsel to clients. We understand the emotionally charged atmosphere around the probate process and will do everything we can to take the stress out of it. Our Los Angeles probate attorneys can guide you and your loved ones through the proceedings, from initial filing to the eventual closing and divvying up of the estate.
For a complimentary consultation, call our firm at (323)-870-6577 today to speak with an experienced Los Angeles probate attorney!
What Is the Probate Process in California?
Probate is the legal process of closing out a deceased person’s estate. It can become complicated if you pass away and leave your family without an estate plan or with a lot of outstanding debts. The process begins when an executor to the estate files your will and a petition for probate with a probate court in your county. If there is no will, the executor will only file the petition.
Once the executor files the appropriate documents, they must also publish a notice of your passing in an official publication. Doing so will allow any additional claimants or creditors to make a claim for a piece of your estate. The role of the executor can last from 6 months to 1 year and they must maintain an organized record of all assets.
The executor must:
- gather assets
- apply for a taxpayer ID number for the estate
- set up a filing system to avoid overlooking bills and/or benefits
- maintain and safeguard real property and heirlooms
- open a bank account for the estate
- compile and appraise estate inventory
If this process sounds daunting, one of our qualified Los Angeles probate attorneys can help you fulfill the duties of your role as executor to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
What is the Process to Close the Estate in Los Angeles?
The estate process in California is closed in the following ways:
- The Personal Representative must prepare a final account, report, and petition for final distribution, schedule a hearing for the petition, notify interested parties of the hearing, and obtain a court order authorizing the final distribution.
- It is also necessary to include a petition for fees in the petition for final distribution if the Personal Representative wants to be compensated for his or her services.
- If all the persons entitled to receive the estate's distribution sign a written waiver of account or a written acknowledgement of receipt, a final account does not have to be filed.
This process can be complicated, and is important that it is performed correctly. Our experienced Los Angeles probate attorneys can help.
Related Reading
- When is the Best Time to Begin Estate Planning?
- How Long Will It Take for My Case to Be Handled Once Courts are Re-Opened?
- 4 Little Known Facts About Probate
Call our firm today at (323)-870-6577or contact us onlineto speak with an experienced Los Angeles probate attorney.
