What is the Probate Process?

Experienced Guidance Through Probate

When a loved one passes away, their estate must be examined and distributed through a process called probate. As the executor or administrator of an estate, you will need guidance from a knowledgeable legal guide to help avoid pitfalls along the way. Call for a free initial consultation with Mansell & Mansell, APC today to get started with the probate process.

Probate With or Without a Will

If a last will and testament has been drafted, this procedure will review the will in its entirety before following its written wishes. If there is no will to follow the heirs of the deceased person will inherit according to state laws. An executor or administrator will be appointed, either according to the will or to legal precedence if no will exists, who must oversee the probate process in order to help ensure the estate is distributed appropriately.

At our firm, we pride ourselves in giving clients personal attention so that we may take them through the probate process as efficiently as possible. If you’ve been named as an executor in a will or there is no will, contact our Los Angeles probate attorneys at Mansell & Mansell today. We have 65 years of combined experience we can use to support and guide you.

We also take cases when clients call to probate an estate, including the following scenarios:

• The will does not name an executor
• The named executor has not started the process

Portions of the Probate Process

Probate involves two basic steps:

• Payment of debts
• Transfer of assets to beneficiaries

During the probate process, the executor or administrator and others involved should have an understanding of the elements involved:

• Validity – If a will exists upon a loved one’s passing, probate will first take routine steps to determine if it is valid. If an eligible party has reason to contest a will, it will be taken to probate court to determine its validity.
• Appraisals – Large pieces of the estate – such as homes, businesses, or family heirlooms– are subject to appraisal to determine their true value during probate.
• Debts – If any debts or taxes are owed when the testator passes away, probate can help determine how to handle them.
• Distribution – When all other aspects of probate are sorted, the property and assets of the estate can be distributed.

Probate Explained by a Los Angeles Probate Lawyer

Entering probate without proper guidance can be troublesome. If you want to relieve yourself of stress and ensure things go as smoothly and as swiftly as possible, seek legal counsel with a probate lawyer from Mansell & Mansell today. You can trust that experienced and knowledgeable professionals will be working on your case, and that your loved one’s estate is treated fairly.