Many of our clients have heard of probate but are not sure what the term means. Basically, it is the court-supervised administration of a decedent’s estate. While this may sound simple enough, the process can be quite complicated, frustrating and time-consuming. In California, it can also be considerably longer and more expensive than in other states, lasting two or more years and with fees and expenses often averaging approximately 5% of the value of the gross estate.
A probate’s complexity depends on many factors, including the size and nature of the assets to be administered, the number of parties involved and how well the parties get along with one another. To make matters worse, probate occurs following the loss of a loved one, and the grief that accompanies this loss. If you are currently faced with the prospect of dealing with the California probate system, you do not have to go through it alone. We can guide you through the process with compassion and a minimum of stress. We can also:
- Help you determine if probate is necessary or whether an alternative
procedure is possible - Prepare a Small Estate Affidavit that will let you avoid probate if the
entire estate, including real estate, is worth less than $100,000 - Make all required court appearances for you if probate is indeed necessary
- Oversee the preparation and filing of income tax returns for the decedent
and the estate - Quite possibly, save tax dollars for those receiving money and/or property
from the estate - Assist in the resolution of disputes between the parties involved