Pasadena Probate Lawyers Guiding Clients Through the Probate Process in California

What Procedures Must Be Followed in California to Probate a Loved One’s Estate?

Losing a loved one is sad, but managing their assets and ensuring that everything is distributed to the correct beneficiaries may make the situation feel much more onerous. If the decedent’s estate needs formal probate, you should consult a probate lawyer to ensure you submit the proper paperwork.

Within 30 days after the decedent’s passing, you must find the decedent’s will and submit it to the probate court clerk’s office. The decedent’s assets, a list of legitimate heirs, and notice to all parties involved must all be completed before you can petition the court to begin a probate proceeding. In addition to filing an estate tax return, paying off debts, and transferring the assets to the beneficiaries, the probate procedure could also involve other stages.

Do All Estates in California Need Probate?

In California, not every estate must go through the formal probate procedure. Certain assets may be able to be transferred immediately to beneficiaries in particular circumstances, which might reduce the amount of an estate that must go through probate. Some estates can be eligible for a streamlined probate procedure.

After the owner passes, assets with a specified beneficiary may be immediately transferred. These might be money from annuities, life insurance payouts, bank accounts, retirement funds, or pensions. Moreover, no property in a trust must go through the probate process. Moreover, estates valued at $166,250.00 or less may be eligible for a more casual, streamlined probate procedure. It is essential to speak with a solicitor if you are unsure whether your loved one’s assets can be transferred without probate.

How Long Does the California Probate Procedure Take?

The size and complexity of the estate, among other things, affect how long it takes for an estate to go through probate in California. Furthermore, estates with many beneficiaries might take longer to administer, mainly when the executor must find and inform those residing in other states. Before any property can be transferred, all outstanding conflicts among recipients that may not be happy with their inheritance must be resolved.

Smaller estates under $166,250.00 could be qualified for a procedure that goes quickly—a few days or weeks—while more significant, more complicated estates might take more than 18 months. The personal representative of an estate has four months from the day the court issued letters of administration to ask the court to permit the final distribution of the decedent’s estate and assets.

How Can an Attorney for Probate Help Me?

While you are mourning, probating a loved one’s estate may be a complex, demanding, and even stressful procedure that may seem impossible. For the decedent’s estate to be adequately passed on to the next generation, several time-consuming but necessary tasks must be completed, including filing the appropriate forms and documentation at the correct times, dealing with beneficiaries and tax returns, and spending endless hours trying to inventory all the assets and debts your loved one left behind.

Thankfully, a probate solicitor may take care of many of these chores. We at Barilari & Williams, LLC offer legal services and advice to customers administering the estate of a loved one. We are skilled to guide you through each stage with assurance while preventing costly errors. Call 888-EST-PLAN to contact our Pasadena office and ask for a free consultation.