Best Probate Lawyers in Mission Viejo

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Mission Viejo, California?

  Dial 949-770-6011 for a non-emergency dispatch from the police in Mission Viejo.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Mission Viejo, California?

  Incident reports in Mission Viejo can be requested in person from the Records Division of the Orange County Sheriff's Department or via email, fax, or mail. Call the Records Division first at 714-834-6454 before making any request to confirm the report's availability. The OCSD can be reached through the following:

  Records Division Orange County Sheriff's Department 320 N. Flower Street / P.O. Box 449 Santa Ana, CA 92703 Fax: 714-834-5466 Email: reportrequest@ocsheriff.gov

• Can a spouse in Mission Viejo be held responsible for paying the rest of the deceased spouse's debts?

  It depends on the situation. If both spouses in Mission Viejo shared the same account for checks, credit cards, and bank transactions, then the surviving spouse may be held responsible for paying any outstanding debts. However, if an account uses only the surviving spouse's name as a reference, then they may not be responsible to pay it. Creditors generally obtain payment of debts from an estate before the remaining assets get distributed to heirs.

• Is it possible for a foreign will in Mission Viejo to be valid?

  There are certain criteria to follow when validating a foreign will Mission Viejo. First, the foreign will has to comply with current state laws. It also has to comply with the country where the decedent lived, was a native, or maintains a residence. Finally, the will has to abide by the laws of the place where it is executed.

• How long does it take to complete a Heggstad Petition in Mission Viejo?

  Accomplishing a Heggstad Petition in Mission Viejo usually takes around 60 days to three months. The process starts with filing a petition, then a hearing, and ends with a closing decision from the judge. It is used when an asset was not included in a living trust which now means the asset has to undergo probate. By filing the petition, the asset can be distributed to beneficiaries without undergoing the costly and complicated probate process.

• Are wills in Mission Viejo notarized?

  Wills in Mission Viejo and the rest of California do not need to be notarized to become valid. These must have at least two witnesses who were present when the will was signed and, at some point, understand they are signing the testator's will. Take note these two witnesses must still follow requirements such as having no interest in the will and not being forced or defrauded into being a witness.

• Does the probate court offer assistance to self-help petitioners in Mission Viejo?

  Self-petitioners in Mission Viejo can call the Probate Self-Help Team of the Orange County Superior Court at 657-622-7170. They can ask for assistance with reviewing completed forms and on how to fill out forms and obtain referrals. However, the self-help team cannot provide legal advice. Self-petitioners can also go in person to the probate court at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex located at 3390 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.