Probate Attorney Los Angeles

The Los Angeles probate process is essentially a system whereby the probate courts oversee the identification, accounting, and distribution of a deceased individual’s assets. Probate is governed by estate law in California, which provides the legal framework for managing and transferring a person’s estate. Whether you agreed to act as the executor (also known as the personal representative, who is granted legal authority to manage and distribute the estate) of a friend or loved one’s estate in advance or were surprised to learn that you had been named executor following that individual’s death, you may soon find that the Los Angeles probate process is complex, time-consuming and frustrating if you don’t possess substantial probate experience. The process involves managing the person’s assets, settling debts, and ensuring the proper distribution of the person’s estate.

At the Law Offices of Darrell C. Harriman, I understand that the estate administration process is likely a difficult time for the estate executor and that identifying and liquidating assets may be painful or extremely time-consuming to handle. The probate estate consists of all assets subject to court supervision during this process. I focus on providing empathetic guidance to clients throughout this process and can handle the difficult and complex tasks that probate may require. I work as the legal representatives of executors and clients throughout Los Angeles and the rest of California and can provide probate advice to you regardless of where the estate must be probated, including connecting you with experienced probate attorneys.

The California Probate Process

In Los Angeles, a deceased individual’s heirs will generally either inherit his or her assets pursuant to a last will and testament or via state laws that govern the distribution of assets in the event that no will has been executed. Probate in California serves to accomplish two primary goals, which are:

• Identifying and satisfying the deceased individual’s debts and liabilities, and
• Distributing the remaining assets to the deceased individual’s heirs pursuant to a will or state law.

In order to accomplish these goals, a number of steps will be required, and an experienced probate lawyer can be valuable throughout this process in helping the executor:

• Send or publish required notices to both the decedent’s heirs and creditors,
• Inventory the estate’s assets,
• Clear titles prior to asset distribution,
• Check for medical and tax liens,
• Liquidate assets to pay debts and estate expenses,
• Locate and connect the executor with professionals who can help maximize the value of assets that must be sold,
• Assist the client in preparing the final reports, tax returns, and estate accounting,
• Handle the various probate hearings that may be required throughout the probate administration process.

Benefits of Hiring a Los Angeles Probate Lawyer

Why most people hire a probate lawyer:

Fees come from the Estate: Importantly, probate attorney fees are typically paid from the estate assets at the end of the case, not out of the executor’s pocket. At the Law Offices of Darrell C. Harriman, I provide guidance and support to clients through every step of the probate process. I pride myself on providing both exceptional legal representation and compassionate support to clients as they handle the complex process of administering the estate of a deceased friend or loved one.

Liability Protection: A lawyer ensures you fulfill your fiduciary duties, protecting you from being sued by beneficiaries.

Courtroom Procedures: Probate judges in Los Angeles expect strict adherence to local court rules; forms filled out incorrectly are frequently rejected, causing months of delays.

At the Law Offices of Darrell C. Harriman, I provide guidance and support to clients through every step of the probate process. I pride myself on providing both exceptional legal representation and compassionate support to clients as they handle the complex process of administering the estate of a deceased friend or loved one.

While the overall probate process may initially seem simple, a myriad of issues can arise to complicate a Los Angeles probate. An experienced probate lawyer can help minimize the disruptions that these complications can cause, including in the following scenarios. A Los Angeles trust lawyer or trust attorney can also assist with trust administration and related matters:

• Asset appraisals. In many cases, a will may specify certain dollar amounts that will be left to various heirs, or cash may be needed to satisfy the decedent’s liabilities or estate expenses. These scenarios can require complex asset appraisals in order to place a dollar value on various estate assets during the probate process.
• Will contests. In an ideal world, every individual would discuss his or her final wishes with loved ones prior to death. In reality, heirs are often surprised by a decedent’s bequests and may choose to challenge the validity of the will on a variety of grounds.
• Debts and taxes. An experienced probate lawyer can provide expert advice to determine whether debts and tax liabilities are valid, and can assist in allocating estate assets to ensure that all valid liabilities are satisfied.