Best Probate Lawyers in Thousand Oaks

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  For non-emergency concerns in the Thousand Oaks area, call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at 805-654-2380.

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

  To get a copy of a Thousand Oaks police report, submit a Public Records Request in person or via mail to the address below. You can also email your request to VCSO.PublicRecordsRequests@ventura.org.

  In-person and mail submissions: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Attn.: Records 800 S. Victoria Ave. L#3310 Ventura, CA 93009

• When is probate needed in Thousand Oaks?

  Based on California Probate Code Sections 13100 and 13154, formal probate proceedings are required if the gross value of the decedent’s estate is over $184,500, with or without a will. This is applicable to deaths occurring after April 1, 2022. Note that this estate value threshold may be increased as years pass. Check with a probate lawyer in Thousand Oaks for the latest threshold.

• Who is eligible to serve as estate executor in Thousand Oaks?

  The executor of a Thousand Oaks estate is usually specified on the will if the decedent left one. If the will-appointed executor refuses the role, or there is no will, any party with interests in the estate can volunteer to serve as executor. The court will step in and appoint one if there are no takers for the role. The preference is usually one of the decedent’s family members over the age of 18.

• Do estate executors in Thousand Oaks get compensated for their work during the probate process?

  Yes, executors or personal representatives in Thousand Oaks are paid a percentage of the estate’s appraised value as compensation. According to California Probate Code 10800, the following are the allowed rates to be paid:

  • Initial $100,000 – 4%
  • Next $100,000 – 3%
  • Next $800,000 – 2%
  • Nest $9 million – 1%
  • Next $15 million – 0.5%
  • For any amount over $25 million – the percentage will be decided by the court

• How long does the probate process take in Thousand Oaks?

  The probate process takes at least six months in Thousand Oaks. The appointment of the personal representative and issuance of letters by the court takes one month from the date the probate petition was filed. Then, there is a four-month waiting period for creditors to lodge their claims. After the claims have been settled and the executor has filed the final petition for closing the probate, a one-month notice must be given before the remaining assets can be distributed.

• On what grounds can you contest a decedent’s will in Thousand Oaks?

  Any party who the will could impact can contest the decedent’s will, including heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors. You can contest a will in Thousand Oaks on these grounds:

  • Testator was under Undue influence
  • Testator was under duress
  • Testator was not of sound mind
  • Testator error (e.g., the testator did not know the estate’s actual value)
  • Fraud
  • Revocation (Testator canceled the will)
  • Improper will execution (e.g., no signature or witness)