Tarzana Probate Administration Lawyer

It is never easy to lose a loved one. In the period after a death, grief can make it hard to manage all the legal requirements and paperwork needed after someone’s passing. A Tarzana probate administration lawyer can take over this arduous process. They can help get the often-complex estate matters into order so that you can focus on grieving and supporting those around you.

Barry Law Group: Skilled Probate Attorneys in Tarzana, California

For years, Barry Law Group has helped the Greater Los Angeles area with probate administration. Probate can be hard for those unfamiliar with the process. Our team consists of attorneys who have been working in the region since the 80s and have all been ranked as Super Lawyers for five years straight. Steven M. Barry, one of our founders, has served as a board member of the California Applicant’s Attorneys Association and is a member of multiple Bar Associations, including the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Our firm proudly represents clients in estate litigation, trust litigation, and probate administration.

What Is Probate?

Probate is a frequent legal case in California, with 60,286 probates filed statewide in 2022. It’s important to understand this common legal proceeding.

Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone has died. It is the formal name for asset distribution and the way in which all final debts are settled. Probate can be a lengthy, arduous process, depending on the assets involved and whether any beneficiaries wish to contest the will.

The probate process, when running without interruption, is as follows:

• Petition for probate: This is the step in the probate process when someone close to the decedent files a DE-111 Petition For Probate. If there is a will, this will be submitted with the form.
• Give notice: All interested parties will be notified. This can include beneficiaries and heirs, but also creditors or other people to whom the deceased owed money. A notice must also be published in a newspaper.
• Court hearing: This can happen a month after the initial filing. It is here that the personal representative of the will is decided. This may be previously arranged in the will, but if not, the courts can determine the next clear choice.
• Appraisal of assets: The executor of the estate will go through all assets of the decedent and come up with the total value. The personal representative will use Form DE-160 for the process.
• Pay debts: If the deceased had any debts, they will be paid first before distribution to beneficiaries.
• Distribute the estate: After debts are paid, the named beneficiaries in the will or established heirs receive the remaining assets. This process can be rife with disagreement between various parties.
• Close the estate: Once the distribution is finished, there will be another hearing where a judge will evaluate the results. If they find the distribution satisfactory, the case will be closed, and the executor will be released from all legal responsibilities.

Hire a Probate Administration Lawyer From Barry Law Group

Even when each step in the process goes smoothly, probate can take a significant amount of time to resolve. If the estate is large, complex, or disputed, you may want to hire a probate administration lawyer.

A probate administration attorney will have worked on other Tarzana probate cases before and know which methods to use. Their experienced, level-headed approach can be a much-needed benefit for the decedent’s family.

From filing the initial DE-111 to the final court hearing, your probate administration lawyer can be there. Investing in an attorney now may save months of hard work. To avoid unnecessary delays, it also helps to be aware of common probate administration mistakes in California that families often make during the process.

FAQs

Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate in Tarzana, CA?

California probate laws do not require you to hire a probate administration lawyer in Tarzana, CA, but it can make a big difference in the outcome. If the probate involves real estate or other valuable assets, a probate administration attorney can make the process far easier. If there is a contest against the will or disputes amongst beneficiaries, legal help can be crucial. It is always wise to seek legal guidance in probate cases.

How Much Does a Probate Administration Lawyer Cost in Tarzana, CA?

The cost of a probate administration attorney in Tarzana, CA, is never a set number. The complexity of the case, work hours needed, and difficulties involved may all affect the price greatly. More fees, like court expenses, can add additional amounts to the final bill. Speak with your probate administration lawyer, as they can provide an accurate figure.

What Is the Difference Between a Probate Lawyer and an Estate Lawyer?

A defining difference between probate lawyers and estate lawyers is their focus. An estate lawyer focuses on wills, trusts, and any other legal matters involving the estate. A probate lawyer, however, is more focused on the probate process. Trusts don’t go through probate, so a probate attorney may have more experience in wills. There can be an overlap between probate and estate lawyers. However, in general, an estate lawyer has a broader scope, whereas a probate lawyer is mainly concerned with probate.

Is Probate Necessary in Every Case?

You may be wondering if probate is necessary in every estate case. While it is common, there are some situations where it can be avoided. The first is whether the deceased had a trust instead of a will. The trust process operates under a different timeline and regulations. Another factor is whether the estate was jointly owned with someone else, such as a spouse. If this is the case, the assets may be directly transferred over to the surviving owner without the legal process of probate.

Talk to an Experienced Tarzana Probate Administration Attorney Now

We at Barry Law Group know that probate is a difficult time. Probate administration can be challenging, overwhelming, and emotionally charged. Our decades of experience helping the people of Tarzana and the Greater Los Angeles area have prepared us for whatever your probate issues may be. Contact us today so we can learn your story, or visit our Encino offices, located on Ventura Boulevard just south of Ventura Highway and the Sepulveda Basin.