Probate is the legal process that a person’s estate must go through when they die if they have not made any other arrangement- such as establishing a trust. An estate can go through probate with or without a will. When someone dies without a will, it is called dying intestate. When someone dies intestate, there are certain codes that cover the distribution of how your estate gets distributed. It is the default way for the government to determine who is entitled to your property. A person entitled to your property upon your death is called your heir.

The probate court supervises the distribution of your loved one’s assets in a formal court setting. It is a public process and can take up to a year and a half to complete.

The probate court will appoint a person to be in charge of this distribution to ensure that they are acting in accordance with California law. This person is called an Administrator or Executor. An Administrator or Executor is able to collect fees for their services upon completion of the probate.

Representation

Navigating the court system and probate process can be an intimidating process and it is advised that you hire an attorney to assist you through this process. Elizabeth at Button Law Inc. has years of experience in Bay Area Probate Courts. Having an experienced attorney will not only help you ensure the paperwork is properly filed, but can also help you avoid any missteps along the way.

We understand losing a loved one is hard enough, don’t face a daunting court process alone.

If your loved one has passed away and you would like to be in charge of their probate, please contact Button Law Inc. today to get started.