Los Angeles Probate Lawyer

If you are going through the probate process, you know how stressful and complicated it can be. Not only are you dealing with the passing of a loved one, but you also have to deal with the legal side of the process. A Los Angeles Probate Lawyer can help ease this burden by guiding you through probate court, which is a necessary step to receive your loved one’s estate, even though it is not always conducive to mourning.

It can be reassuring to know that you do not have to navigate probate on your own. Just as your loved one hired the services of an attorney to help them with the estate planning process, you can hire someone to help your family with probate. You deserve a legal representative who can offer you reliable counsel and help with estate litigation when necessary.

Proper legal help can make the probate process much easier for you and your family. With the help of an experienced Los Angeles probate lawyer, you can reduce the stress of the probate process and allow your family the necessary time and space to adjust and grieve.

Barry Law Group: Your Los Angeles Probate Lawyers

When it comes to probate administration in Los Angeles, CA, no one is better suited to help you with your case than our team at Barry Law Group. For over 30 years and several generations, our law group has been helping the people of Los Angeles navigate their probate matters. We have seen countless wills, estates, trusts, and mitigating factors, and we are confident we can help you with any issue you face during the probate process.

We understand that going through probate can feel lonely and helpless. You have lost a loved one, and you are navigating a foreign and confusing time. We are here to guide you through this process so that you can focus on mourning and celebrating your loved one and their life. Our clients find that there are significant emotional benefits to working with us, aside from the legal support that we provide for them.

What Is Probate?

Though probate is a large part of what we do, many people do not know what it is until they have to navigate the process. This can make things feel even more stressful and intimidating. Probate is the process through which the state settles a person’s estate before it is released to their family.

After an individual passes away, there are often outstanding payments and unresolved matters that need to be addressed before the family can assume ownership of the deceased’s assets. The deceased often owes taxes, for example, which is an issue that needs to be addressed. Probate court addresses these debts and outstanding obligations to ensure the estate is ready for the family.

During probate court, the state also reviews the deceased’s will to ensure it is valid. If so, they pass the estate to the executor if one is named in the will. If an executor is not named, the state chooses one. If there is no will or the will is illegitimate, the court determines who should receive the estate. Usually, this is the next of kin.

Overview of Probate Law in California

Probate law in California governs how a person’s estate is reviewed and distributed after the owner’s death. The court follows state probate laws to ensure that all debts, taxes, and other financial obligations are paid before assets are distributed to heirs. When disputes arise over a will or another estate-related matter, the courts can intervene to resolve those disagreements.

The average home value in Burbank is $1,160,955, and a large asset may significantly influence how a trust or estate is managed. In Fiscal Year 2023-24, there were 63,609 probate filings in California. For residents in Los Angeles County, probate litigation cases are handled at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

When Does Probate Happen in California?

Probate happens in California when a deceased person leaves behind property that cannot be transferred automatically and must be reviewed by the court. According to the California Courts Self-Help Guide, probate is required when the estate includes assets solely in the decedent’s name and the total value exceeds the state’s small-estate threshold.

If there is a will, it must be delivered to the court, and a judge appoints a personal representative to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute what remains to heirs or beneficiaries. Probate may still be necessary even when a will exists, though such cases tend to resolve more quickly. Cases that require full court supervision are handled by the probate division of the superior court, ensuring all legal and financial obligations are properly handled.

What Assets Are Subject to Probate in California?

Assets that are solely in the decedent’s name and do not pass automatically to someone else are subject to probate in California. This could include:

• Real estate
• Bank accounts
• Personal property
• Investments without named beneficiaries.

Property held only in the decedent’s name, such as a house, vehicle, or brokerage account, must go through probate before heirs can receive it. Assets placed in a trust, jointly owned property, and accounts with designated beneficiaries typically avoid probate. Navigating the probate process in California can be surprisingly complicated, which is why many families rely on a Los Angeles probate attorney to manage their probate cases.

California’s probate laws require estate administrators to maintain detailed accounting records and to comply with the wishes of the decedent. When you hire a probate lawyer, you ensure that any steps you take are in compliance with the law and the directives set out by the will or trust. Attorneys play a key role in protecting you from liabilities or accusations that you are not acting in the interests of the estate owner.

The Importance of a Los Angeles Probate Lawyer

Many families believe that they can navigate the probate process on their own. Though this is technically legal, it can cause many issues and roadblocks. There are often unexpected interruptions or conflicts in the probate process, and without an attorney’s help, the process can be significantly delayed. What’s more, dealing with problems can make the whole probate process seem even more complicated.

When you hire a Los Angeles probate lawyer, you have someone who is on your family’s side throughout the process. We can help you to interpret and address any problems that arise, which can be significantly reassuring. We also ensure your loved one’s wishes are carried out while honoring the needs and feelings of your surviving family.

FAQs About Probate Law

Q: What Does a Probate Lawyer Do in Los Angeles, CA?

A: A probate lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, represents the family of the deceased during the probate process. Theycan help to address any roadblocks in the process and ensure the court proceeds fairly and efficiently. At Barry Law Group, we are very familiar with the probate process. We can help you to submit any necessary paperwork or address any other issues that may arise.

Q: How Long Do You Have to File Probate After Death?

A: You must wait at least five days after the person’s death to file probate, but you have up to three years. However, you do not gain control over the deceased’s estate until you go through the probate process. For this reason, it is usually a good idea to go through the probate process as soon as you can.

Q: What If My Loved One Does Not Have a Will?

A: If your loved one passed away without a will, you still have to go through the probate process. The court assesses the deceased’s assets and takes the proper taxes and debts from the estate. Then, they release the estate to the next of kin since there is no will to follow. It is then the next of kin’s choice to handle the estate as they see fit. They may distribute assets to the family, but they do not have to do so if there is no will.

Q: What Is an Estate in Probate?

A: An estate is simply the culmination of all of the deceased’s assets, such as real estate, investments, property, and personal items. In many cases, a person plans their estate distribution before they die. However, if a death is unexpected or occurs when a person is fairly young, they may not have created an estate plan for the family to follow.

Count on Barry Law Group for Your Probate Needs

If you need help with your Los Angeles probate process, our team at Barry Law Group is here to help. We have the experience and resources you need for a smooth probate process. For more information, please contact Barry Law Group online today.

Serving Los Angeles and Nearby Communities

If you’re navigating the complexities of probate in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, our experienced legal team is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one or managing the estate of a family member, we’re committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable guidance through every step of the probate process.

Our firm is based in Los Angeles and has deep roots in the local legal landscape, including regular appearances in the Los Angeles County Superior Court – Probate Division. We’ve assisted clients throughout the city and neighboring communities, including Glendale, Burbank, Inglewood, and Santa Monica, offering tailored support that respects each family’s unique needs and goals.

Probate in California can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing. According to the California Court system, most probate cases take 9–18 months to resolve, depending on the estate’s complexity. Our team helps ease that burden by ensuring all legal requirements are met efficiently and with care, including helping families avoid probate where possible through proper planning and counsel.

Barry Law Group – Los Angeles, California