Probate
attorneys help their clients through the entire process of probating the
estate. The probate process can be quite
complicated depending on whether the decedent died with a will or testate or
intestate, that is without a will. A
will has to be admitted for probate for it to be effective. Since the process of probate differs from
state to state, it is better to seek the help of probate
attorneys in Thousand Oaks to be in tune with the law. Probate is required for assets that have no
beneficiary designation to transfer it to the heirs.
Duties of a Probate Attorney
Probate
attorneys help to appoint the personal representative to administer the estate
of the deceased person by filing the probate petition. He will also check the claims of creditors,
heirs, and beneficiaries. Probate is a
lengthy process with a lot of notifications and complicated court
procedures. Probate administration attorneys help to smooth the whole process of lodging the
will in court and filing to probate it.
The assessment of the value of properties or debts also has to be done
correctly and any pending taxes and debts paid off before distributing the
assets among the heirs.
Probate Attorneys in Thousand Oaks |
Help From Skilled Probate Lawyers
Probate
litigation attorneys are needed if there is
contesting of the will. They are
involved in interpretation of trusts and wills, guardianship matters, fiduciary
accounts, financial conservatorships and estate administration. Their
services are needed in case of challenges to properties owned jointly or
determination of heirs. Skilled probate lawyers are needed to resolve
complex legal issues involving finance or if the dispute is emotionally
charged. They help with mediation and
negotiations to bring about a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The increase in the aging population and the
creation of great wealth has led to many more litigation cases over wills and
fighting over inheritance.