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Probating a Will
Probate is the legal process after a person has died. There
are 7 crucial steps to probating a will in any state, though
details vary between states. The probate court first decides
if a valid will exists, then appoints an executor or administrator.
The executor, often a friend or family member, must complete
the 7 crucial probate steps, and properly prepare and file
all of the legal, accounting, and other court papers.
California's probate system is very complex,
and all the legal documents and steps can overwhelm an executor,
particularly during mourning. Executors frequently hire a
skilled probate lawyer to handle the probate and related legal
proceedings.
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How the Probate Attorneys
of San Diego Law Firm can Help
If you are an executor, you can retain
the skilled, experienced probate attorneys of San Diego
Law Firm to handle each step, attend court hearings,
and prepare all of the legal and accounting paperwork
for you. San Diego Law Firm's knowledgeable,
caring attorneys can handle virtually all probate problems
or concerns.
San Diego Law Firm will keep you advised
on the probate process and on how any related legal
problems should be handled. Although
our offices are based in California, we handle cases
in all 50 states in association with other skilled attorneys,
as provided by law.
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7 Crucial Probate
Steps
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1
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Identify, collect and protect
the deceased's assets |
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2
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Notify creditors per state law, pay all
uncontested creditors at the correct time, and contest
claims that appear wrong |
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3
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Inform the Social Security Administration,
insurance companies, credit card companies and others
about the death |
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4
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File all required papers with the probate
court, including inventory and appraisal forms, formal
accounting, and other legal documents. Obtain court order
for distributing the estate |
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5
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File the decedent's final tax returns,
and pay taxes owed |
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6
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Determine who inherits the property. If
this is not clear in the will, investigate further and
file legal proceedings |
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7
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Supervise final distribution of assets to
the heirs, obtain court receipts, attend a court hearing,
and obtain court order discharging the executor from
further responsibility. |
How to Contact Us
For more information or an appointment, please
call San Diego Law Firm at 619-794-0243, or, if you prefer, send us an e-mail at
and an attorney from our office will contact you. Please note
that making a phone call or sending an email does not create
an attorney-client relationship; this requires a written agreement.
Please do not e-mail any confidential information to us until
an agreement is signed; at that point, we can exchange confidential
information freely.
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