Probate Attorneys – How They Can Help
The death of a loved one leaves executors with several important and complex duties. Even if your loved one created an estate plan, probate may be necessary to validate the will and ensure that all debts and taxes are paid before heirs receive their share.
While it is possible to handle probate proceedings without legal assistance, collaborating with an experienced lawyer can streamline the process and minimize complications and disputes.
Experience
The death of a loved one is always difficult, but it is even more so when the person’s estate has to go through probate. Probate is the judicial process that ensures that assets left by a deceased person are distributed to their heirs and beneficiaries. It also helps pay off debts and taxes and settles any disputes that may arise from the estate.
Koestner & Shahon can help you navigate this difficult process. He or she can also assist you in creating a trust to avoid probate altogether. Our team of attorneys is experienced in all aspects of estate planning and can help you choose the right option for your situation.
Whether your case involves an estate worth over $10 million or an intestate (no will) estate, we have the experience to handle it. We will ensure that the correct documents are filed and that all legal requirements are met. In addition, Koestner & Shahon will make sure that any estate tax obligations are paid and that any inheritance tax claims are filed on time.
In most cases, probate proceedings are completed within six months to a year. However, if the estate has complex issues or is contested by family members, it can take longer. Koestner & Shahon has experience in all types of probate matters, including wills, trusts, conservatorships, and probate litigation.
You can view probate notes for most probates in California online. You will need to use the court’s website and enter your probate case number in order to see them. Notes are typically posted at least two weeks before a scheduled hearing. You can also email the probate examiner with questions about probate notes.
In California, they charged a statutory fee based on the value of the estate. Some also charge an hourly rate for their services. A People’s Choice provides affordable probate assistance and can save you thousands of dollars in attorney fees. We have a proven track record of helping clients avoid costly legal bills and protect their estates.
Reputation
A reputable firm with an excellent reputation will have a team of attorneys who have experience handling contested trust and probate estate cases. Koestner & Shahon have a deep understanding of the legal process, and will be able to help you with any situation that may arise during the process. They can also assist you with planning your own estate to minimize tax liabilities and protect your loved ones’ assets from creditors.
The first step in the probate process is to file a petition with the court. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate then must give notice to heirs and beneficiaries. The personal representative will also take an inventory of the estate’s property and pay any debts and taxes owed. Once these obligations are met, the personal representative will distribute the remaining assets to heirs.
If a loved one dies without a will or trust, their property must go through a probate process. This is a judicially-supervised procedure to ensure that the deceased’s assets are distributed according to their wishes. It is a way to prevent fraud and make sure that all debts are paid and that the estate’s assets are properly allocated.
During the probate process, there are many issues that can arise, including heir disputes. In some situations, inheritance dispute resolution options such as mediation or arbitration are available. However, if the issues are complex and contested, it may be best to consult with a Los Angeles probate litigation attorney.
Koestner & Shahon has a solid background in estate planning can assist you with all your legal needs. Their knowledge of the law and sensitivity to family dynamics will help them understand your situation and find solutions that meet your needs. They can also help you avoid legal pitfalls that may be caused by improper estate planning, undue influence, or other factors.
The Koestner & Shahon are trusted attorneys they will work hard to ensure that your loved one’s estate is handled in accordance with the law. Koestner & Shahon will have a track record of successfully representing clients and winning favorable outcomes in their cases.
Fees
Every time someone passes away, their estate – all of their belongings, money, investments and property, including their house – must go through the probate process to be distributed to their heirs. This process can be expensive and frustrating for all parties involved, but with the help of Koestner & Shahon, it can be made easier.
The legal fees charged for representation in a probate matter depend on several factors, including the size of the estate and its complexity. The amount of time required to complete the probate process also influences the cost. While many attorneys charge a flat fee, other choose to bill hourly.
In California, the personal representative and their attorney are entitled to a statutory fee. The rate is determined by the estate’s financial worth and follows a set structure, as specified by the California probate code. In addition, a personal representative or their attorney may be compensated for extraordinary services that are incurred during the course of the probate process. These additional compensations are approved by the court after a hearing.
Koestner & Shahon will usually request a percentage of the gross value of the estate, which is what the estate is worth minus debts such as mortgages on properties. This fee arrangement can be frustrating to clients because it is based on the gross value of the estate, and not what the net worth is after all costs have been deducted. Some lawyers offer a flat fee, but this option may not be available in every situation.
Others may require a retainer fee, which is a lump sum payment that the lawyer will use to pay for their services throughout the duration of the case. This method allows them to develop a long-term working relationship with the client and develop legal strategies that span a longer time frame. In addition, it can reduce the time spent on paperwork because the attorney will not have to track hourly rates or invoice each task separately. In some cases, the retainer fee may be used to cover expenses that occur during the probate process such as forensic accounting, tax preparation and publication fees.
Consultation
When someone close to you passes away, their estate must be closed out by a court in order for the final beneficiaries to receive their inheritance. Koestner & Shahon can help you navigate the process. They will assist you in ensuring that all estate taxes are paid and assets are distributed properly. They will also ensure that the correct people are notified of your loved one’s death.
Probate is a lengthy and complicated legal process that requires the assistance of an experienced attorney. It is not recommended to try and handle the process on your own, especially if the deceased had significant assets or debts. Trying to complete probate without an attorney can lead to errors that could delay the process, which may frustrate beneficiaries who want to access their inheritance quickly.
An initial consultation with Koestner & Shahon can provide you with the information you need to decide whether they are the right fit for your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your issue during an initial consultation, you should be able to gain a level of comfort with the lawyer’s experience and ability to address your concerns.
A person’s death often triggers family disputes over how their estate and personal property are to be distributed. In some cases, these conflicts are settled outside of the courts through mediation or arbitration. However, in other cases, a dispute must be resolved by the judge in probate court. Koestner & Shahon can help you navigate estate litigation, which can involve inheritance disputes, substantial changes to a will or trust, and issues related to mental and physical capacity. In addition to probate, an attorney can also provide legal services regarding real estate and trusts. We keep in touch with you throughout the procedure and address any queries to put your mind at ease. You can find us on our website at www.probateattorneys.la .
The death of a loved one leaves executors with several important and complex duties. Even if your loved one created an estate plan, probate may be necessary to validate the will and ensure that all debts and taxes are paid before heirs receive their share. While it is possible to handle probate proceedings without legal…