The idea of going to probate court may conjure up images of time-consuming work and court hearings. In fact, probate court cases generally do require a significant amount of time and energy from the parties involved. It is important to understand what is exempt from probate in California. For some families, state law may not require them to go through the probate court process. A California probate lawyer can help families through the probate process. Hiring a skilled probate attorney can alleviate time and stress during an already emotional period. What Is Exempt from the Probate Court Proces ..read more

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. Pr ..read more

To ensure the fair distribution of assets following someone’s death, states across the country maintain a system of probate courts. California probate law governs how assets and liabilities are transferred to heirs and beneficiaries. Probate courts also ensure that legitimate debts are paid and that wills and other estate planning documents are followed. An experienced California probate lawyer can explain what the rules are on probate in California. Probate Law Basics Some smaller estates can avoid having to go through probate court, especially if the deceased person’s assets qualify for a si ..read more

Following a person’s death, any heirs must take a myriad of steps to administer their estate legally. The most significant factor in this process is whether or not the estate has to go through probate. Because probate is a complex process that is often difficult to understand without a legal background, working closely with a qualified San Diego probate lawyer can help you immensely. Consult our team today to learn more about how probate works in San Diego. Understanding Probate in San Diego? Probate is the legal process that manages the transfer of assets and liabilities after an individual’s ..read more

At Sweeney Probate Law, we understand what you are feeling as you learn that you need to probate your recently deceased loved one’s estate. You may be hoping you can settle it yourself, or you might think that not dealing with it will cause it to resolve itself. However, it is essential to move the probate process forward to fulfill your loved one’s wishes and respect their legacy. A California probate attorney can help you accomplish this. Consequences of Failing to File for Probate Failing to file a petition for probate can lead to many consequences, ranging from legal to financial complicat ..read more

The death of a loved one in your life is already emotional and stressful, and then being thrust into the probate process can cause the whole situation to become overwhelming. While many people know about probate, they don’t often understand the ins and outs of the process. This is when choosing an experienced California probate lawyer, who knows the complexities of probate law, can be the right choice for you to alleviate some of that stress. The Probate Process Before any heirs are given their inheritance, an estate will most likely need to go through probate. Probate is the legal proceeding ..read more

Your loved one just passed away, leaving you with many loose ends to tie up, such as what to do with their property, vehicles, investments, money, and other assets. Even if they had a will, you will most likely experience probate. This can leave you with questions and a legal process that an experienced California probate attorney may be able to help you with. Testate vs. Intestate Probate It is commonly believed that if a person passes away with a will, or “testate,” their estate will not have to go through probate. In this situation, probate is typically used to validate the will and appoint ..read more

For many families, there’s a tremendous sense of relief when the probate process is finally over. This is not just because of the sense of finality that it gives them, but it is also because the process can be so taxing. There are so many different components of probate that can go wrong or create challenges and conflict. Many probate problems CA probate attorneys deal with can be solved before they start. In many cases, such issues are self-inflicted or made worse by not addressing them quickly and appropriately. One of the things that can often help with these probate problems is working wit ..read more

Probate sales in CA are legal, but they must follow a specific set of procedures. Probate sales can occur for a number of different reasons. They could be expressly stated as the deceased’s desires in a will. They could also be the result of someone dying intestate or without a valid will, and that is the way to distribute the value among the heirs. In other situations, the proceeds of the sale may be needed to cover debts and expenses. Whatever the reason behind them, probate sales are legal in California but subject to proper procedures within the probate process. The Process of Probate Sale ..read more

Probate can be a complex and sometimes contentious process. Working with the right attorney, though, can help ease some of the tensions and keep the process working smoothly. There are a lot of things that make for a good Los Angeles probate attorney. In particular, things like knowledge and experience are critical. However, one of the qualities that is particularly important, although less often discussed, is that you want to make sure that you are working with the right attorney for you and your family. All the credentials in the world don’t necessarily mean that that individual is going to ..read more