Long Beach Probate Lawyer

When an individual dies in California, often their estate must pass through the probate process. This process can be both costly and time-consuming and can also leave space for disputes to arise between family members. If you have lost a loved one and are preparing for probate, a Long Beach probate lawyer can help and provide you with the legal support and guidance necessary to navigate the legal landscape of probate and ensure the estate in question is settled properly.

What Is Probate in Long Beach, California?

When an individual owns an estate valued over a certain monetary amount, this estate must be settled through a legal process known as probate. In Long Beach the courts must oversee the transfer of all property from the deceased individual’s estate to their heirs or beneficiaries as outlined in their will. If there is no will in place, the courts will operate by the rules laid out in California’s intestate laws.

Probate can be a lengthy and expensive process, not to mention that it allows room for conflicts to emerge between beneficiaries, the executor of the estate, or the individual named in the will to handle the settling of the estate through probate. With a comprehensive estate plan, probate can be avoided, and if this is an option available to you, you should take it. By avoiding probate, you can also safeguard certain assets from tax liabilities and creditors.

Probate is also a public proceeding, meaning that anyone can access information regarding the estate of your loved one. This can be difficult, especially for individuals who are still grieving the loss of their family member. With the help of an attorney, this, too, can be avoided. However, if probate is absolutely necessary, the team at Meinzer Law Firm, PC, is here for you and your loved ones. We can ensure the process moves smoothly and legally and works in your interests.

The Probate Process of California

Many individuals have heard of probate but do not know what it actually entails. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the steps involved, and a knowledgeable attorney can come alongside you and educate you on every step of the process and your responsibilities throughout. If you are the estate’s executor, having an attorney on your side is of paramount importance. The probate process in California typically involves the following steps:

• File the necessary paperwork to open probate
• Give notice to the beneficiaries of the death of the deceased
• Take inventory of all assets owned by the estate and receive value appraisals
• Pay all debts and tax liabilities owed by the estate
• Distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as outlined in the will (or to the heirs if no will)

Facing Probate? Don’t Do it Alone.

If you are ready to begin the probate process following the death of a loved one, the experienced team at Meinzer Law Firm, PC, is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us review your situation to determine the next steps you should take. Allow us to help you better understand your legal options and work to make the process as easy and painless as possible.