Secure Your Future with Expert Guidance from a Probate Attorney
When a loved one passes on, the estate may go through a court process known as probate. We understand that dealing with difficult legal matters while grieving is the last thing you need. Our number one goal is to help you avoid the stress and confusion of probate.
Alice A. Salvo can help
MORE INFORMATION >What Is Probate?
Probate is a legal process which occurs in court after someone passes away. During this process, the deceased’s assets are distributed.
Probate is well-known for being complex and time-consuming. Fortunately, we can help you shorten or avoid probate altogether.  in Los Angeles for a free consultation. We can heCall our probate attorney in Los Angeles for a free consultation. We can help you efficiently transfer your property after you pass.
What Does a Probate Lawyer in Los Angeles Do?
You may be curious how a probate lawyer can help you. Our Los Angeles probate attorney can help both executors (those looking to pass on their assets after they pass) and administrators (those assisting with the probate process for a deceased person).
Here is what you can expect from our probate lawyers in Los Angeles.
- Publish and bond your estate
- Protect assets through the process and assist to value assets
- Prepare inventory, collect and value assets
- Pay the required expense of the estate as well as taxes and debts
- Communicate all beneficiary concerns
- Give notice to creditors and resolve issues such as creditor claims
- Sell property, file an accounting, and final distribution of the assets
California probate and inheritance law is complex. Large numbers of statutes must be taken into consideration. Other court cases at the state and national level may also affect your probate outcome. Because of this, navigating probate can be expensive.
As an experienced probate attorney, we will work together to reduce the chance of litigation where possible. Because of probates complexity, we advise you to hire a lawyer who focuses solely on probate in California, versus a general practitioner.
Give your Heirs Peace of Mind by Retaining an LA Probate Lawyer
You and your loved ones deserve peace of mind. You deserve to enjoy the present moment with your family members, without worrying about the future. Your heirs will be thankful to distribute your estate as quickly as possible.
I This can be achieved with careful estate planning. Move towards the future with confidence, with help from our Los Angeles Probate lawyer.
Start planning today, so you and your family can benefit in the future.
The Cost of Failing to Plan your Estate Ahead of Time
A probate attorney in Los Angeles, such as Alice A. Salvo, may be able to help you avoid some of the costs associated with probate.
One example may be legal fees, which are governed by California state law.
You and your family may need to pay the following, if you do not take basic steps to plan your estate:
- 4% of the first $100,000 of the gross value of the probate estate
- 3% of the next $100,000
- 2% of the next $800,000
- 1% of the next $9 million
- .5% of the next $15 million
For amounts higher than $25 million, a “reasonable amount” as determined by the court may is also charged.
Effectively, this means if a person passes away with an estate worth $1 million, probate services from an attorney would cost at least $23,000.
That’s because the legal fees would total as follows:
- First $100,000 – $4,000
- Next $100,000 – $3,000
- Next $800,000 – $16,000
Bear in mind, estate value means the gross value of the assets. So, if the person who passes away owns a home that’s worth $800,000 – even if the person owed $400,000 on that property – the value of that asset in the probate estate remains at $800,000.
Debt owed on real estate or other assets is not taken into account when assessing legal fees.
Typically, a probate attorney in Los Angeles charges the fee set out by statute, which means it’s customary for a probate specialist attorney to be paid these fees from the estate before it’s settled. Find out if this can be avoided. It can help save you money.
Are my Assets Subject to Probate?
You may be curious about what is considered an ‘estate asset’. If you own any of the following assets, assume they will be subject to probate after you pass:
- Stocks
- Checking’s and savings accounts
- Jewelry
- Art
- Vehicles
- Boats
- Vacation homes
- Business interests
- Collections
- Furniture
- Household goods
My loved one passed. What Should I Do?
We understand the devastation that comes with losing a loved one. We also understand that legal and administrative matters are the last thing you want to think about at this difficult time.
- But when a loved one passes away, there are things we can help you deal with sensitively and efficiently: First, call our Los Angeles probate attorneys. Schedule a free initial meeting. We will listen and support you at this difficult time.
- During our first call, we will explain legal rights and options. We will discuss what happens next and how we can help. We’ll also explain what we should handle quickly, and what matters can wait.
- Are you the executor? We will guide you through the legal steps involved so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Are you a beneficiary? We will help you understand what to expect from the process, and how long it might take.
- Are you concerned the estate will be contested? We plan to handle any legal challenges
No matter your situation, we will ensure you do not feel burdened.
Need help with any type of probate service? Don’t hesitate to contact us today.