If you are listed as an heir or beneficiary of someone who recently passed away, hiring an attorney can help ensure that your rightful claim to property and assets is honored by the probate court. Even if you are not listed as a beneficiary but believe you should be, a California probate lawyer can make legal arguments on your behalf that could result in a portion of an estate being awarded to you.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate in California?

Anyone with legal standing in a probate court can represent themselves. The task is arduous, though, and any mistakes you make could be quite costly. Probate attorneys accumulate first-hand knowledge of California’s probate laws and their intricacies over many years. Lawyers bring years of experience litigating in courts that teach them how to avoid procedural errors and missed filing deadlines.

The process may involve first filing a petition with the court. Jurisdiction matters here, meaning that you have to file in the county where the deceased lived. In some cases, you will have to include a copy of the death certificate. You will also need to check with the county about filing fees. Once a court hearing is set, everyone named in the will must be given notice, and creditors will also need to be notified.

Documents you may need to provide for probate court proceedings include:

• The original will
• Death certificate
• Asset statements
• Codicils (amendments to the will)
• Other relevant documents
• Stock and bond documents
• Bank account documents

At the hearing or at a preliminary hearing, the judge will want to know who the administrator of the estate is. The administrator may be asked to post a surety bond. Proving the will refers to the process of assuring the court that the will if there is one, was authorized by the deceased person. If the will was handwritten, then you will have to prove that the handwriting matches the deceased’s writing style.

Your job as administrator, if that role is given to you, will be to account for all of the assets of the deceased. This can be a time-consuming and cumbersome job. If the title of an asset has to be signed over to another person, you will assume that responsibility as well. Beyond physical assets, these can include:

• Stocks
• Bonds
• Bank accounts
• Credit card accounts
• Brokerage accounts
• Mutual funds.

Your work may also require you to find a probate referee who can provide independent valuations of the deceased’s assets. If everything has gone to plan, you may be able to settle the estate by the second hearing. Closing the estate involves paying all creditors and tax debts. You will also need to allocate the estate assets as directed by the court or the will. The entire process, without legal help, could take several months or even years to complete.

Benefits of Working with a Probate Lawyer

An experienced probate lawyer comes with years of experience and an understanding of probate law. They will ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly. Filings have important deadlines that cannot be missed. A probate lawyer is familiar with how to read and interpret the terms of the will.

Your probate lawyer will handle important tasks, so you don’t have to. These can include:

• Collecting records detailing life insurance proceeds
• Calculating taxes
• Locating and documenting all assets
• Distributing assets and property
• Opening checking accounts to handle transactions
• Handling property appraisals
• Preparing court documents
• Filing court documents
• Paying final bills and debts

One of the most important benefits of hiring a lawyer is the saving of hundreds of hours of work. Probate attorneys know how to handle important steps in a methodical and efficient manner.

FAQs

Q: Can I Do My Own Probate in California?

A: Self-representation in court is allowed, but it is likely ill-advised. California probate laws are complicated, and any judgment not in your favor could have long-lasting consequences. A probate attorney works for your interests and can negotiate certain matters with the other party’s legal counsel. Our lawyers have helped many clients protect their rights and interests in probate court.

Q: Is An Attorney Required for Probate in California?

A: An attorney is not required for probate in California, but professional legal services come with many benefits. First, you will save time by allowing a professional to handle your case. Second, you will remove the risk that you make an error when you file court documents. Any mistake could considerably delay the timeline. Probate attorneys are familiar with the courtroom and have experience working with probate judges.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to File a Probate Petition in California?

A: The filing fee for probate court is around $430 dollars. That fee can usually be repaid from the estate. Once the probate process begins, there may be other fees associated with the case. For example, you may have to pay to print a notice of the probate hearing in a widely circulated newspaper.

Q: What Documents Are Needed for Probate in California?

A: The documents that are needed for probate in California include the original will, asset statements, the death certificate, amendments to the will, banking statements, stock and bond documents, property valuations, and other documents related to the case. Your probate lawyer can provide you with a list of documents that you may need to begin gathering.

Schedule Your Consultation With an Experienced Probate Lawyer

One way you can ensure that your interests are protected during probate court is by hiring an experienced probate lawyer. Probate cases are very time-consuming because documents must be carefully collected and accounted for and because there are often many parties involved. At Sweeney Probate Law, we focus on probate cases. Our team of lawyers understands every aspect of probate cases and how to handle cases before a judge.

If you are a beneficiary, heir, or administrator for the estate of someone who recently passed, schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers today. Having a probate attorney at your side can ease your mind during what can be a difficult time.