Probate & Estate Administration

When a loved one passes, they frequently leave assets and liabilities that need to be addressed. We specialize in probate proceedings and estate administration – regardless of whether it’s contested or uncontested. We also specialize in probate in context of other countries (i.e. will drafted abroad but death occurred in California) and much more.

• Probate. Probate is a legal process, overseen by the courts, by which the assets are transferred from the name of the decedent (person who died) to the beneficiaries (people who are named in the will, such as children, grandchildren, relatives, etc.). For probate, a lawyer is retained to handle the matter as well as to litigate if the estate is contested. Probate is only needed when there were assets that were subject to a will or when the decedent had no will.

• Estate Administration. Estate administration is a process of transferring assets to the beneficiaries (people who are named in the will, such as children, grandchildren, relatives, etc.) pursuant to the terms of a trust agreement.

• Small Estate. A small estate is a simplified process which addresses the assets valued below a certain amount set by the court.

• Settlements. Settlement in context of probate and estate administration is a process where beneficiaries agree to certain terms and conditions of distribution. It is an important tool that settles many contested issues, saving on legal fees and expenses.

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