Are You Stressed Out by Probate Proceedings?

What could possibly be worse than going through the loss of a loved one? The answer: having to go through a complex, confusing and drawn out probate legal procedure. Probate is the legal process in which the property of a deceased individual is transferred to heirs. It deals with the specifics of determining and naming the exact property and estate belonging to the deceased person, management of it as needed and its distribution amongst those determined to be inheritors of the estate. If you have any estate, trust, probate or real estate related issues that you need skilled help with in the greater L.A. area, talk to a Los Angeles estate planning lawyer as soon as possible.

What to Expect During Probate

Every probate case is different depending on the extent of property and estate planning or lack thereof. When there is a will in existence after a person dies, that will must be proven as a valid, legal document. The estate is then appraised and any liabilities, debts, unpaid taxes, etc. must be settled. The remaining estate—whether it is real estate, cash or other property and assets—is then distributed to those that can legally inherit.

In some cases, probate is not necessary. When the estate is valued at less than $100,000 it most likely will not be handled through probate. The surviving spouse of a decedent can avoid probate through a spousal property petition. There are additional situations such as when an estate has been set up to be handled through a living trust or if there are jointly owned properties, etc., where it may be possible to skip this process.

Los Angeles Probate Lawyer

Whether you are interested in advanced planning so probate can be avoided or have a current probate matter, a probate attorney may be able to help. A knowledgeable attorney with the Law Offices of David A. Shapiro has successfully represented clients in probate litigation, settling a probate dispute, probate administration and more. We represent clients not only in Los Angeles but also in the surrounding areas of Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Santa Monica and more. Don't hesitate to call us to see what a skilled probate lawyer may be able to do for your case.

Contact a Los Angeles probate attorney at our firm now to schedule an initial consultation. Don't face probate court without skilled representation!