Best Probate Lawyers in Whittier, CA

FAQs

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

  Dial (562) 567-9200 to reach the Whittier Police Department for non-emergencies.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report for an incident in Whittier, you can visit the Whittier Police Department Records Bureau at 13200 East Penn St, Whittier, CA 90602, or call the records line at (562) 567-9131. The designated contact person for the Records Bureau is Gloria Chavez, the Whittier Records Supervisor, who can also be reached at (562) 567-9150 or gchavez@cityofwhittier.org.

• What legal protections exist for a surviving spouse in Whittier if the decedent left no will or intended to disinherit them?

  In Whittier, California, a surviving spouse is guaranteed half of all community property, regardless of the deceased spouse's estate plan or lack thereof. However, if the deceased spouse had a will that specifically leaves all of their community property to someone else, the surviving spouse would not be entitled to half of the community property. The surviving spouse also has the right to claim an elective share, which is a portion of the estate that the surviving spouse is entitled to regardless of the deceased spouse's will. The elective share is not always necessary, but it can be an important tool for protecting the surviving spouse's interests.

• How can underage individuals in Whittier possess assets, given their legal incapacity to directly own them?

  Under California law, although minors in Whittier can't directly possess assets, they can through their guardians. For instance, a joint bank account with their adult guardian enables them to own assets. Moreover, they can be a beneficiary of a trust, typically created by parents while the child is underage. Trust shares are usually retained until a specific age. An alternative method includes a Uniform Transfer to Minors Account, which keeps the funds until they turn 18.

• What is joint tenancy, and what are the requirements to establish one in Whittier?

  Joint tenancy is a prevalent form of co-ownership often leveraged by spouses as an effective tool for estate planning. It involves the fundamental principle of survivorship, which means when one spouse passes away, the property interest seamlessly transfers to the surviving partner. To establish a joint tenancy in Whittier, four elements must exist simultaneously: equal stake in the property, acquisition at the same time, identical title source, and equivalent rights to possession.

• What are the guidelines for creating an international will in Whittier?

  To draft an international will in Whittier, you must follow the guidelines of the Uniform International Wills Act and the Washington Convention. The will must be written in a language that you understand, signed by you in the presence of two witnesses and a qualified legal professional, and accompanied by a certificate that complies with California Probate Code section 6384. The will must also be exclusively for you, signed on all pages, and paginated.

• What should be considered when valuing estate assets in Whittier?

  When valuing estate assets in Whittier, the primary consideration should be the fair market value of each asset at the time of the decedent's death. This valuation is significant for determining if probate is required. Following Internal Revenue Code regulations is crucial in this process, given that some assets may have less precise values. Importantly, overlooking proper estate valuation can lead to unexpected federal estate tax liabilities.

• What does a probate attorney do?

  Probate attorneys are licensed professionals who represent executors and heirs after someone has died. They provide personalized legal advice, assist with tax planning, settle debts, and facilitate the distribution of assets. Probate attorneys typically represent clients during administrative proceedings overseen by probate courts, although some litigators focus on handling disputes and lawsuits related to contested estates.

• What is probate court?

  Probate court works with the family or beneficiaries of a deceased person to validate their last will and testament. The courts review the individual's will to identify and calculate assets, pay off remaining debts, and distribute the remaining property to beneficiaries per the deceased person's requests. Depending on state laws, property valued under a certain amount may not require probate.

• How long do you have to file probate after death?

  The amount of time loved ones have to file a will after a person dies varies from state to state. While California courts require probate to be filed within one year, New York has no deadline. That being said, it's advisable to file probate as quickly as possible once a person has died, as the process itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

• Does life insurance go through probate?

  Life insurance doesn't need to go through the probate courts if the deceased individual has named a beneficiary on their policy. However, life insurance policies without beneficiaries, or with beneficiaries who are either deceased themselves or cannot be contacted, go directly to the deceased individual's estate. When this happens, life insurance proceeds must go through probate court to determine how funds should be allocated.

• Do household items go through probate?

  While the exact rules do vary from state to state, most household items don't require probate and are automatically left to immediate families unless otherwise stated in the deceased person's will. When it comes to property, only items above a certain value or held in title are required to go through probate in most states.

• Do bank accounts with beneficiaries have to go through probate?

  In the event a beneficiary has been named, bank accounts are not required to go through probate and will be paid directly to the person designated by the deceased individual. However, should that individual be deceased themselves or if contact cannot be made after a certain period of time, funds will be allocated to the estate and put through the probate process.

• What happens if no probate is filed?

  Depending on the circumstances, probate may not be required in all cases. If a person passes on and their remaining property is jointly owned, it automatically transfers to the other owner. However, if a property is not jointly owned and no probate has been filed, the executor of the will won't be able to transfer titles or cash assets to beneficiaries. Be aware that the specific laws surrounding probate requirements vary from state to state.

• What is probate real estate?

  Probate real estate is the process that happens when a realtor steps in to handle the sale or transfer of a deceased person's owned home to another individual. In some cases, the house is sold as a means of liquidating assets, and proceeds from the sale are used to pay debts or are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Can I probate a will or estate without an attorney?

  It is possible to probate a will and close an estate without hiring an attorney. However, it requires multiple steps and an understanding of the law. The first step is to petition the court to appoint a representative for the estate. Next, the executor must notify all heirs and creditors before switching ownership from the decedent to the estate. Once all debts, taxes, and final expenses have been paid, funds can be transferred to heirs. To close an estate, the executor must submit a report showing the court that all obligations and final wishes have been satisfied. While a will and estate may seem straightforward, things can get complicated quickly if multiple heirs are involved, or if disputes or disagreements arise over distribution. A probate lawyer can help navigate these disputes effectively, and take pressure off the executor when beneficiaries aren’t getting along.

• How many years can an estate remain in probate?

  If the will or proposed distribution of property is contested, an estate may remain in probate for several years. The timeline depends on how long relatives have to initiate probate, how long creditors have to come forward, and how busy the courts are. In some states, such as Florida, relatives have just 10 days to initiate probate, and the entire process takes approximately six months. In other areas, such as Massachusetts, the process can last one to two years, although the majority of probate activities occur in the first nine months. The value of the estate also affects the duration of the case. For example, California and Texas have simplified procedures for smaller estates, such as those valued at $150,000 or less.

• When is a will's probate an automatic process?

  Probate is the legal process of validating a last will and testament to ensure that the decedent's wishes are followed. A probate judge may automatically clear wills if they're accompanied by an affidavit from the decedent, a notary, and a witness. Some assets, including financial accounts with designated beneficiaries, and funds held by certain types of trusts don't have to go through probate.

• What does it mean when property is under probate?

  Real estate that's under probate is typically liquidated through the court system, which is most common when someone dies without a will. Home buyers who are interested in this type of property must follow special rules regarding deposits, which are sometimes nonrefundable, and buyer's premiums. Additionally, the court must approve the purchase price.