Santa Clarita California probate planner can help avoid painful misunderstandings between family members when a loved one dies and an estate has to be settled. The probate attorney takes charge of the process of executing a client s will as well as directing the heirs through the process of probate. Probate in Newhall is the legal process of assigning the property of a deceased individual to their heirs and creditors and is usually held open for a particular period of time six months, for example during which the affairs of the estate must be settled and any outstanding debts paid.
In order to ensure that the estate is settled in the least amount of time with the minimum amount of stress for the family, it is very important to hire a local probate lawyer who is knowledgeable about the laws of your state. For example, if you live in Glendale California, you must engage the services of a probate attorney based in the state. A California probate attorney such as Santa Clarita probate attorney would ensure that the deceased person s will is validated through the courts to guarantee its legality and avoid problems later on. California probate laws are very strict and a California probate attorney can help guide you through them so that the estate would be settled in a timely fashion. Encino California Mortensen Law Offices for Estate Planning
Once a will has been validated in the courts, the probate lawyer will help the executor the person assigned to administer the will by filing any necessary legal motions to facilitate the process. In addition, if the will is contested for example, by a disinherited relative the probate attorney will make the necessary arguments in court. In some cases, the will may name the probate attorney as the executor, in which case the lawyer will take charge of the physical distribution of the assets of the estate, which can involve changing the title on property to that of the heir. In cases like these, the probate attorney is forbidden from being named as a beneficiary in the will for ethical considerations and they are paid a fee for their services, which may be a flat amount or computed as a percentage of the estate.
If the loved one has not hired the services of a Westlake Village California probate lawyer before they died, then it is important that you hire one to help you settle their estate. You may also want to engage the services of a probate attorney to help you draw up your will to ensure that it is legal and safe from being challenged in court. Before calling up an attorney, make sure you know which services you need from them – whether it is estate planning for wills or estate probate services since the lawyer you hire should have expertise in this particular area of probate law. Look at websites that provide lists of probate attorneys to find ones who may be able to help you. If they have personal sites, you should also visit these to find out more about the services they offer. Arrange an initial interview with at least three attorneys to talk about your problem and don t hesitate to ask about considerations such as the fees they charge. Hire the probate lawyer with whom you feel the most comfortable.
Mortensen Law Office
22807 Lyons Avenue
Newhall, California 91321
Tax Law, Living Trust & Probate Attorneys
(661) 799-9225 phone
(661) 799-8838 fax