Long Beach, CA Probate Lawyer

When a loved one’s estate must be settled following their death, it’s likely that the stress from complex legal procedures could amplify the pain and grief you’re experiencing. When you should be focused on finding comfort in your family and healing so that you can move forward, you may be too bogged down in the complicated California probate process.

Our compassionate Long Beach probate lawyer knows the toll that probate can have on an individual and on a family as a whole, and it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through this alone. We have been helping clients successfully navigate probate during some of their darkest days for over 40 years, ensuring that every step is seamless and that the most time and money possible is saved.

When you allow The Hayes Law Firm to carry this burden for you, you can have peace of mind that your loved one’s last wishes will be honored and that their estate is able to be closed according to the guidelines of California law, protecting you from being held personally liable for any mishaps.

Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how you can lean on The Hayes Law Firm during this difficult time.

Is Probate Necessary In Long Beach, California?

Many people wonder why probate happens and why it is necessary. Due to its complexity, some may even begin to think it is some sort of punishment on behalf of their loved one for their lack of estate planning. Rest assured, this is not the case.

Essentially, probate happens so that the court can ensure a deceased person’s will (if they had one) is legitimate and reflects their true intentions, as well as that their assets (all the money and property they owned) are distributed according to the terms in their will. Without probate, it would likely be that any random person could lay claim to another’s estate, which would be chaotic and unfair.

While it is easy to get bogged down by the negative aspects of probate, it is not a consequence for anything your loved one did wrong. They probably just did not realize how beneficial a fully comprehensive estate plan could be, or perhaps they simply ran out of time.

No matter the circumstances, you can trust our experienced Long Beach probate lawyer to handle their estate, as well as each step of probate, carefully and professionally.

How Does Probate Work?

In some cases, a simplified version of probate may be possible; in California, the estate value limit is $184,500. Therefore, it’s crucial that you consult with our Long Beach probate lawyer early on to determine what form of probate is necessary.

Next, the executor named in the will will be identified (if there was no will, an administrator will be appointed). This individual is responsible for managing the decedent’s assets and property during probate, as well as notifying banks, employers, and others of the death. They will then ensure that utilities have been turned off, seal the residence, and prepare the petition to open probate.

Other obligations include:

• Giving legal notice to creditors, beneficiaries, and the public
• Collecting, protecting, and inventorying the assets
• Having assets appraised
• Settling debts with creditors
• Filing final tax returns
• Paying taxes, including the inheritance tax
• Preparing a final accounting
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries
• Closing the estate
• And more!

This is a significant undertaking for someone who is still in mourning, as well as still tending to the day-to-day obligations of their own personal life. Our skilled Long Beach probate lawyer can step in to oversee these tasks and save you from undue stress and anxiety, supporting you through every phase of the process.

How Can A Long Beach Probate Lawyer Help?

With so much on your mind, it would be easy to make mistakes navigating probate alone. Even a small error in judgment or accidental slip-up could leave you personally liable. To avoid this, it’s in your best interests to secure experienced and professional legal aid. Call The Hayes Law Firm today to book your free consultation and learn more about how we can help you reach a successful resolution to probate.