7 Crucial Steps of Probate
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.
| 7 Crucial Probate Steps | |
| 1 | Identify, collect and protect the deceased's assets |
| 2 | Notify creditors per state law, pay all uncontested creditors at the correct time, and contest claims that appear wrong |
| 3 | Inform the Social Security Administration, insurance companies, credit card companies and others about the death |
| 4 | 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 |
| 5 | File the decedent's final tax returns, and pay taxes owed |
| 6 | Determine who inherits the property. If this is not clear in the will, investigate further and file legal proceedings |
| 7 | 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 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.
How to Contact San Diego Law Firm
We handle matters throughout California, and new clients are always welcome. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact us either by:
Telephone: (619) 794-0243
E-mail: contactus@SanDiegoLawFirm.com
We can be reached by telephone Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also use the
form below to contact us. This form is answered Monday through Friday during
the work day. Please remember that for us to become your attorneys, we must first have a written attorney-client agreement signed by both of us, so please do not email any confidential information at this point. After we have reached an agreement with you, we can then exchange information freely. We look forward to helping you.