Overview of the Probate Process in Granite Bay, California

Experienced Legal Counsel for Administering Probate

Losing a loved one can be an emotionally difficult time. This situation is made even more overwhelming when the surviving family member must go through the often-arduous process of settling his or her estate. If you are appointed as the executor of a decedent’s will that requires probate, you will be subject to a lengthy court process that requires significant documentation and possible fees.

At Herrig, Vogt & Hensley, LLP, we understand that the probate process can be complicated. We can help you prepare the necessary filings and notices during the probate process and want to help ensure that you can get through it easily and swiftly.

Our probate attorneys have 30 years of experience with a comprehensive knowledge of California probate and estate law so you can trust that our team can guide you through the probate process with the efficiency you need.

Steps of The Probate Process

The first step in the probate process is to file a request with the probate court and submit the original will and the death certificate. You must then notify all known creditors, beneficiaries, and heirs and file proof that you did so.

The next step is to prove the validity of the will through statements from witnesses, known as a self-proving affidavit. Once all of the documents are filed, you may begin the administration of the estate.

You will also have the following responsibilities as the executor of the estate:

• Notifying the state health or welfare department of the decedent’s death

• Acquiring an employer identification number from the IRS to file the decedent’s income tax return

• Opening a bank account for the estate

• Preparing income tax returns

• Filing an inventory of assets

• Paying debts to creditors

• Filing a list of claims you have approved and denied

• Filing any federal or state estate tax returns that may be required

• Notifying heirs of the final hearing and filing proof that you did so

• Requesting permission from the court to distribute assets

• Transferring property and assets to named beneficiaries

• Filing receipts and requesting release from duties

This process can be entirely overwhelming, especially since an executor of a decedent’s will would typically have to face conflicts and disputes among beneficiaries and creditors. Facing the death of a loved one is difficult enough without having to deal with his or her financial and legal matters as well.

At Herrig, Vogt & Hensley, LLP, our compassionate probate attorneys are dedicated to helping executors through the probate process as efficiently as possible.

Get started today and contact our firm for your free initial consultation.