If one of your loved ones passed away recently, and you are a beneficiary, executor of a Will, or successor trustee of a Trust, you should be asking whether you (or more properly, the estate) should hire a probate attorney in California.

First, what if the estate is small? What if there is no real estate and only a few assets to distribute? Most people ask whether they ought to still take the time and pay for opening a probate. At the Law Office of Mark Abell, I associate with very experienced probate attorneys. My office has a comprehensive understanding of the probate process.

Keep in mind, that when someone passes away and leaves real estate or bank accounts that are titled in his or her name alone (and that are not set up to automatically transfer on death) like joint accounts or designated beneficiary accounts, then a probate may be necessary to change ownership of that property. This may be the case even if the person had a Will. It’s usually a good idea to consult with an experienced probate attorney who can help you decide if you need a probate, or if there are ways of transferring the property without the time and expense of a full court-supervised probate.

Contact the Law Office of Mark Abell to speak with a probate attorney who will work in Los Angeles County, Orange County, or the Inland Empire.

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