Glendora Probate Attorney
Serving Families from Offices in Glendora & Irvine
Losing a loved one is hard enough, but having the estate go through the courts for months or years makes it worse. When your loved one has passed without an estate plan, if there is conflict among the heirs, or if the estate has a high value, the probate process attempts to resolve things fairly. A skilled probate attorney in Glendora or Irvine can help streamline the process.
Some actions, like selling real estate that belongs to the estate, require court approval. Thanks to the Independent Administration of Estates Act there are many things the executor can do without court oversight, including:
- Sell private property of the estate
- Pay taxes
- Approve or reject creditor claims
- File tax returns
Creditors have four months to come forward with claims. The executor or trustee has to get organized, apply for a taxpayer ID for the estate, and open an estate bank account. There must be an inventory and appraisal of all probate property. The executor or trustee must keep all assets safe and in good condition until the court closes the probate.
When the estate has paid all bills and taxes, the administrator can ask the court to close the probate. Then the beneficiaries receive the estate assets they are due.
Probate can be a long, complex process. Get help from an experienced Glendora probate attorney. Contact the Morris Law Firm at (626) 587-2677 today.
Avoiding Probate
Because probate actions can be lengthy and expensive, many people are interested in avoiding probate. There are steps you can take to make the estate administration easier, although your loved one generally has to do them before he or she passes. Small estates may not be subject to probate. Estates that have a living trust also may allow families to avoid the hassle and expense of probate court. You can also use joint ownership or joint tenancy to pass assets without the court’s involvement, in some cases.
Knowing all your options and making sure you obey the law requires the help of a qualified Glendora estate planning attorney. With over 25 years of experience, our team is here to make it easier for you. For a consultation in Glendora or Irvine, contact us today at (626) 587-2677.