How We Can Guide You Through The Probate Process
Generally, probate is needed when someone dies with no estate planning documents, or when there is a will, but no trust in place. Probate is a court process for settling an estate, and it can be quite daunting. However, you do not need to feel intimidated when you have a skilled estate planning attorney on your side.
The attorney at our Palo Alto law firm, Gadi Zohar, Esq., can guide executors (named in a will to administer an estate) and administrators (administering an estate when there is no will) through the process of settling the estate of the decedent (deceased person) in California. Gadi is thorough and focused on details in probate, helping you with tasks that may include filing court petitions and other required documents, selling real estate, dealing with taxes, required notifications to government agencies and distributing assets.
Understanding The Key Elements Of Probate
Because his practice focuses exclusively on estate planning, Gadi knows how to guide clients through the probate process, which includes these key steps:
- Validation of the will
- The appointment of an executor or administrator by the court
- Determining the value of the decedent’s assets
- Notifying creditors, as required by law
- Paying any outstanding bills or taxes owed by the estate
- Settling disagreements and disputes among beneficiaries
- Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries
Of course, it’s better to avoid probate by creating a living trust, but in cases where that did not happen, Gadi Zohar can help you understand what the probate process entails and what to expect.
Contact An Attorney Who Understands Probate
So many questions surface regarding the probate process. Our attorney at Gadi Zohar, Esq., in Palo Alto, will answer your questions and make the process as smooth as possible. Since 2011, he has helped clients throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area with probate and other estate planning issues. For a consultation, contact us via email or by calling 650-449-6671.