Best Probate Lawyers in Ventura

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  To report non-emergency situations in Ventura, call its Police Department at 805-650-8010.

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

  To obtain a copy of the police report, you can mail your request to Ventura PD Record Request located at 1425 Dowell Drive Ventura, California. Requests should have a copy of government-issued picture identification, a $20 check or money order, the report number, and the address to which you want the report mailed.

• What are the disadvantages of probate in Ventura?

  Probating a will in Ventura requires time and money. Usually, a probate case takes two years to complete, and individuals need to pay fees set by the California statute that can be extremely costly. Other people can know your assets, debts, and even the identities of heirs and beneficiaries because probate records are open to the public.

• How can you avoid probate in Ventura?

  Many people want to avoid going through probate due to costly fees and privacy matters. Ventura individuals can avoid probate by establishing payable-on-death bank accounts, transfer-on-death bonds, brokerage accounts, and stocks. Additionally, they can create and fund a living trust and designate beneficiaries for their life insurance and retirement accounts.

• How much time do you have to contest a will in Ventura?

  Under California law, Ventura residents have 120 days to contest a will. The time frame starts from the day that probate was opened. If you received a notice that another party has filed a petition claiming that the testator died without a will, you need to file a probate petition as soon as possible.

• What are the roles of trustees in a probate case in Ventura?

  Trustees in Ventura need to safeguard and secure the deceased's possessions until they can be distributed to the beneficiaries. They also settle legal obligations and outstanding financial debts and regularly communicate with beneficiaries about the status of the administration. Additionally, they should distribute the possessions based on the deceased's instructions in the trust document.

• Does a child who is excluded or disinherited have a right to contest a will in Ventura?

  Yes. An excluded or disinherited child can contest a will in Ventura. A decedent's child can work with an attorney to help them prove that the reason for exclusion is based on a factual mistake or due to influence, incapacity, or fraud. If the child successfully contests a disinheriting will, he or she will receive substantial inheritances.