Regarding California Probate Laws

Los Angeles Probate Attorney

In our state, probate is a legal process for the administration of a deceased person's estate.  It commonly uses a will to distribute the deceased person's property and resolve any claims against the estate.  In its most basic functions, it appoints an "executor" or "personal representative" for the estate and proceeds to interpret the instructions of the deceased.  There are standard procedures that must be adhered to and deadlines that need to be met in order for probate to proceed smoothly and in a manner the deceased wished.

Unfortunately, there are many ways in which the probate of an estate can go wrong or become difficult.  Probate law can be complex and administering the estate can become a hotly contested affair.  It is best to retain an experienced Los Angeles probate lawyer to ensure the probate is done according to California state laws and to successfully resolve problems that may arise. 

Probate Procedure

Probate begins with an official petition to the court to open the estate and name a personal representative to handle the affairs of the estate.  The petition must be correctly written and filed with the appropriate court clerk.  At times, the choice of personal representative may be disputed by various parties which can be the first snag in the process.  Once a representative is appointed, an official Notice of Creditors needs to be printed in a local newspaper.  At the same time, a Notice of Administration will need to be sent to other parties that are concerned with the probate, such as heirs, relatives and others.

After the Notice of Creditors is published, creditors have a limited amount of time to file claims on the estate.  If all goes smoothly, creditors of the estate are paid and the remainder of the estate is distributed.  Claims by creditors can become disputed and formal objections to estate distribution can be made.  In probate proceedings there are important deadlines which need to be met.  Not knowing or meeting these can result in a delay or an action not going the way an individual desires.  Use of a probate attorney, such as those at Kerendian & Associates, Inc. can help prevent and resolve probate situations.

Contact a Los Angeles Probate Attorney for assistance in any matters to do with probate or the proper administration of a deceased person's estate.