Van Nuys Probate Administration Lawyer

After a loved one passes away, there are many steps to consider, from legal action to personal grieving. A Van Nuys probate administration lawyer can help you handle the legal response to a loved one’s death, giving you more space to focus on the other preparations that need to be made.

At Barry Law Group, we understand that the probate process is often not easy and can introduce more stress to an already tense situation. We help you tackle the administration process with care, compassion, and dedication.

Probate in Los Angeles County

Probate is the legal process by which a person’s estate is settled after their death. Certain estate plans, like revocable living trusts, can bypass probate, but many cases will go through probate. In fact, California had more than 63,000 probate filings in 2024, with 13,000 of those here in Los Angeles County.

After the decedent, or your deceased loved one, passes, someone will have to file a petition to initiate probate. For Van Nuys, this process is handled at the Van Nuys Courthouse East on Sylmar Avenue. In general, the process looks like this:

1. Name an administrator for the estate. If the decedent had a will, this is likely the named executor.
2. Give notice to beneficiaries, heirs, and any creditors that may need to know the estate is entering probate.
3. Value the estate, taking inventory of all existing assets.
4. Settle debts with creditors.
5. Distribute remaining assets to heirs, either those named in the will or determined by intestate laws.

Complications During Probate

While the process may seem straightforward, challenges from family members, creditors, or other interested parties can complicate matters. This is especially true when someone passes without any form of estate plan.

California Probate Code § 7000–7001 sets the initial expectations for passing property to heirs, and the subsequent statutes clarify more about the probate process. Cases where someone dies without a will, and where a will is contested, may be resolved by the order of inheritance determined by the state.

These challenges often involve heightened emotion and difficulty. You have to balance the personal wants of those you know and the legal authority given to you in this situation. A probate administration lawyer can be invaluable in helping you negotiate with others to find a legal solution to probate challenges.

Complicated Estates and Mixed Plans

In some cases, a person may have a trust or other estate plan that doesn’t cover all of their assets. Therefore, both probate administration and trust administration may be necessary.

Assets owned jointly with a surviving spouse or that meet certain other conditions might also not be subject to probate. In situations like these, it can be difficult to understand which assets are covered under probate and which aren’t.

A key part of probate administration is thoroughly reviewing the entire estate and knowing what assets are subject to probate. Our attorneys can help you with this process. We can review each asset of your loved one, helping you determine if it is subject to probate and, if so, how it should be handled according to their wishes and the relevant laws.

Reasons to Hire a Probate Administration Lawyer

Probate is a sensitive process, one that decides the future of your loved one’s estate. Disputes are common, especially when someone dies without a will. If you are charged with managing the distribution of your loved one’s assets, even small mistakes can have long-term consequences.

Working with an experienced attorney is one way to help prevent those mistakes from occurring. When you hire a probate administration lawyer from our office, you can also get help with:

• Understanding filing requirements and timelines
• Dealing with creditors and settling debts
• Reviewing and validating the terms of a will
• Meeting the legal requirements of the probate process

The death of a loved one is hard enough without having to tackle complex legal issues on your own. Work with our team so you can feel good about the approach you take.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Cost for a Probate Attorney in California?

A: Probate attorneys in California can charge different rates, so there is not one clear average. The length and complexity of the case will also likely affect its cost. Generally, these costs are preferable to the potential losses that come with mistakes in the probate process, and people consider working with a lawyer to be worth it.

Q: What Are the Common Mistakes in Probate?

A: Some common mistakes in probate administration include not properly notifying everyone involved and having an inaccurate valuation of the estate. Small errors on paperwork can also create issues that are taxing to deal with. A Van Nuys probate administration attorney can help you check for these errors and approach the process with more confidence.

Q: How Long Does Probate Usually Take?

A: The length of the probate process can vary, but it is usually not quick. Uncontested cases, especially those with thorough wills, may only take a few months. More complex cases could take longer than a year. How long your case takes will depend on the people involved, if everyone agrees, if the decedent’s wishes were clear, and other vital factors.

Q: Is Probate Public in California?

A: Yes, probate is a public process in California. Files from the case, the decedent’s will, inventory of their estate, and other documents can all be accessed by the public. This is why some people choose other estate planning tools, such as trusts, which don’t have to go through the probate process.

Skilled Administration at Barry Law Group

With more than 70 combined years in litigation and estate law, the team at Barry Law Group has the skills and experience needed to assist with probate administration. From filing documents to negotiating complex contests, our attorneys can help you settle your probate matters.

We know that the legal system can seem confusing and intimidating. Our dedication to helping our clients understand their situation helps address this issue. We have worked with clients across all walks of life and are able to adapt our strategy to your unique needs.

Contact Barry Law Group today to get legal assistance for the probate administration process.