Probate Litigation Lawyers Assisting Clients in Pasadena

When a loved one dies, you don’t want to spend your time tied up in legal proceedings and paperwork. A probate case in California settles the will of your loved one and can be lengthy and complicated. But if you have a trusted attorney on your side, you can avoid much of the footwork and heartache that comes with settling and distributing a will. In certain circumstances, serious legal issues can arise during probate. That is where a probate litigation lawyer can help. Rely on our law office to help you through this time by calling our Pasadena office at (626) 590-7286.

Do I Need to Go Through Probate?

While California does not require probate in every case, most wills in this state do need to be settled by probate. A few cases that may not involve probate are:

• Small estates that are eligible for simplified court procedures
• When the person who passed away shared the estate “in joint tenancy,” meaning the other person already owns the property
• If the deceased person placed the property into a living trust

A spouse or legal partner may also file a Spousal Property Petition which can simplify the probate process. To find out if your case might not need probate you should talk to a legal representative who understands the laws and will help find the best possible solution for you should any legal issues arise during probate. Our law team is ready to help you in this process.

What is the Process for Probate in California?

The average process for probate litigation can be up to six months or even a year. The process begins with the naming of an executor to carry out the will. Often the executor is named in the will itself, but this person can also be appointed by the family or by another administrator depending on the situation. The will may then need to be validated, verifying it has been properly drafted. Once a will is proved valid, the executor makes sure the will is carried out as written including appraising properties, paying bills, assigning ownership, filing taxes, etc. You have enough to worry about without taking on the responsibility of the probate process. When complications arise, you may need a law firm to take swift action on your behalf. Our probate litigators can ensure you get the inheritance you deserve through the probate process. Our attorneys can take your side and ensure everything in your probate case goes as smoothly as possible.

How Much Does Probate Cost in California?

In California, probate lawyers typically charge a fee as a percentage of the value of the estate. So it is impossible to say upfront what your costs will be. But you can rest assured that our legal team will give you every attention that your case needs in order to find the most beneficial resolution for you in settling your loved one’s estate.
While adding the cost of a lawyer may seem daunting in the face of filing for probate, the truth is that hiring legal assistance can save money in the long run and is really the wisest decision you can make as you settle your loved one’s will. Disagreements, tax problems, and even lawsuits add to the length and complexity of the case. Without an attorney on your side, you could lose even more money and time. Let us help you through your probate case by contacting our legal team today.

What Issues May Arise During a Probate Case?

There are many ways in which a probate case can become complicated, which is one reason why having a seasoned attorney stand by you through the process is so critical. One issue that may come up is having the will contested. It could be that a family member disagrees with the will, or maybe you feel that the will was drafted incorrectly. Another way that estate distribution can become complicated is if there is no will. In this case, the assets will need to be distributed through probate according to California law. In either scenario, probate can be complex and frustrating without legal experience. But with our lawyers helping you, this process can be much simpler. We can litigate matters to ensure you get the benefits and inheritance you deserve.
With a complicated legal matter such as probate litigation, you will definitely want a lawyer on your side who understands how to navigate this tricky process. Contact us right away to schedule an appointment to see how we can help with your probate case at (626) 590-7286.