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California Probate Law Firm
Helping Clients Navigate California Probate
When you are mourning the loss of a loved one, one of the most difficult burdens to bear can be administering their estate through California probate. This process is time-consuming and expensive, especially if there is a dispute over how the valuables are distributed. If your loved one owned real estate properties, probate is even more complex.
However, the good news is that you don’t have to go through this troublesome time alone. You can reach out to knowledgeable, caring probate attorneys who will help you through each step of probate to avoid the negative repercussions of mistakes and disputes. And if litigation becomes necessary, you will have an ally who understands the probate process and will fight to defend your rights.
Call Yonano Law Offices, P.C., right away for a talented legal team that can help take care of your probate needs during this time of grief. You can reach us at 916-894-8790
Our talented legal team protects clients from a wide range of harmful actions, including those by trustees who violate their fiduciary duty.
We help executors proceed with estate administration according to California law to avoid adverse legal repercussions of mistakes during this complex process.
When families face disputes or problems with executors who breach their fiduciary duty, they can rely on our knowledge and experience to find solutions.
Our skilled attorney is also a licensed California real estate broker, allowing us to give outstanding counsel based on current real estate laws and trends.
We protect older people from becoming victims of financial abuse by bringing perpetrators to justice.
What Are the Steps in California Probate?
Most people who die in California must have their estates pass through probate to ensure the funds and assets are properly distributed to creditors, and beneficiaries.
Some of the main steps that an estate passes through during California probate are:
- Inventorying the estate assets, including bank accounts, real estate properties, motor vehicles, stocks, investments, retirement accounts, and so on
- Notifying beneficiaries of the actions about to take place
- Admitting the deceased person’s will into probate
- Paying off creditors for any debts owed by the decedent
- Identifying beneficiaries and distributing inheritances
- Addressing objections and finally closing the estate
What Problems Commonly Occur During Probate in California?
During the complicated probate process, many possible issues could arise. California citizens are urged to use the aid of an experienced probate attorney to avoid legal repercussions that may be involved if steps are skipped, or mistakes are made during probate.
Some problems that could likely arise during California probate are:
- The will was created under coercion or undue influence, rendering it invalid
- The will is invalid because the testator was not of sound mind at the time of its creation
- The will’s terms were not fulfilled correctly
- The executor or trustee is accused of breaching their fiduciary duty by acting in their own interests or going against the deceased person’s wishes
- Disputes occur among beneficiaries over how the estate is administered
- Guardianship of minor children causes disputes
- Family members disagree with the person appointed to administer the estate, also known as the executor
My firm strives to achieve creative and efficient legal solutions for our clients, whether through trial or settlement. We value long-standing relationships with our clients built on trust and respect. I have attracted a wide array of clients ranging from individuals to businesses of all sizes, throughout my career as a litigator in probate and trust disputes.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer acts as a guide through the probate process, helping estate administrators address each step thoroughly to prevent mistakes that could prove costly in the future. A probate lawyer is also available as a measure of protection for family members as they ensure the executor acts honestly and according to their fiduciary duty.
Some of the critical roles that a probate lawyer fulfills are:
- Notifying beneficiaries about the action that will be taken involving the estate
- Inventorying the estate properties, ensuring that each item is appraised properly
- Supervising the executor so their actions are legal according to California regulations
- Ensuring honesty in fulfilling the fiduciary duty by the executor and trustee
- Handling estate taxes
- Paying creditors any debts due from the funds in the estate
If you are an estate administrator or family member who wants to be sure the process is handled correctly according to California law, please get in touch with a probate attorney for help immediately.
- You should choose Yonano Law Offices, P.C., for your probate needs because we have the experience necessary to provide excellent care for our clients. Attorney Nicholas Yonano has spent decades helping individuals and families navigate the probate process, and he can resolve a wide range of issues and disputes.
- Another reason to choose our law firm is our focus on probate law. Many law firms offer a wide range of services but do not perform very well in any of them. Our legal team works with probate and elder law cases daily, so we are ready to help no matter what problems arise.
- You should also consider our law practice because of our dedication to giving honest counsel and representation. We understand that any dishonesty only harms your case, so we will be upfront and truthful with you and everyone we work with. You can trust Yonano Law Offices, P.C.
- Our attorney is an excellent choice for probate real estate needs because of his unique qualification as a California real estate broker. This additional licensure means Attorney Yonano is current on the state’s real estate laws and trends, giving you the best resource for probate real estate questions and concerns.
- At our law firm, we value the relationships with our clients. We build these relationships on trust and respect, and you will feel that the moment you talk to us on the phone or walk into our office. Hiring our law firm means you have caring, capable allies who honor your opinion and offer excellent legal counsel and representation.
- Finally, you should hire our law firm because we constantly search for creative and effective solutions for our clients. We know that taking a matter to court isn’t always the best way to handle things, and we will seek solutions through mediation whenever possible. Whether you are an individual or a large business, we will dedicate our time to finding the right solution for your needs.
When is Probate Litigation Necessary?
When disputes arise during probate, the best thing you can do is reach out to a trusted legal professional right away. Your lawyer may be able to find solutions that satisfy all parties without resorting to legal action in court, saving your family time, money, and heartache. However, sometimes litigation is necessary.
If there are gross errors in administrating your loved one’s estate or if disputes arise that cannot be resolved through mediation, you may need to bring legal action. Litigation may also be required if the executor or trustee needs to be removed from their position due to activities that are harmful to the testator and their family.
For questions and concerns about whether your family needs to litigate on matters involving probate, please get in touch with our caring and capable legal team right away.
Can Our Lawyer Help You?
If you or your family needs assistance with any aspect of California probate, including help administering a loved one’s estate or pursuing litigation for errors during estate administration, please get in touch with our talented legal team right away. Attorney Nicholas Yonano has decades of experience helping clients like you through probate, and we can help you too.
Contact us today at 916-894-8790 to get started on your case. You can also visit our lovely office at 4944 Windplay Dr, Suite 119, in El Dorado Hills, CA. Our office is just 1 mile from Creekside Greens Park and 1.9 miles from Deputy Jeff Mitchell Field. We are also 39.3 miles from the Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
What Do Probate Lawyers Do?
A skilled California probate lawyer guides clients through the complex probate process. This includes inventorying the estate assets, handling the payment of creditors and taxes, and distributing inheritances to the beneficiaries according to the decedent’s wishes. These tasks fall under the executor’s jurisdiction, and if they are not completed correctly, it can lead to litigation. If the executor or trustee is suspected of acting dishonestly or in a harmful manner, the probate lawyer may also bring legal action against them. The probate attorney can also validate the will, ensuring it was created according to California law.
What Happens During Probate Litigation?
The first step of probate litigation is for the individual making the claim to file a petition with the court. It is essential that this takes place within 120 days of receipt of the notice regarding the probate process, or the petition could be thrown out. When a case is opened, the probate attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the events that transpired during the creation of the will and the administration of the estate. If problems are found, they will be corrected according to California law. If you or your loved ones have concerns about how the decedent’s estate is being handled, please get in touch with a trusted legal representative right away.
What Happens to Real Estate Held by the Deceased Person?
Real estate in the decedent’s estate makes matters a little more complicated. These assets are usually high in value and are difficult to disburse among beneficiaries. For this reason, many disputes over estate administration commonly come from real estate transactions. Sometimes, real estate holdings may be handled outside the probate process. An attorney can answer these questions. Call Yonano Law Offices, P.C. right away for help understanding how to deal with real estate properties in your loved one’s estate.
How Do I Pick the Right Probate Law Firm?
Selecting a probate attorney in El Dorado Hills is challenging because of the various options available. It is essential to remember that not all lawyers understand the probate process and even fewer deal with probate matters on a regular basis. Your lawyer’s practice should be focused on probate and litigation matters so they are prepared to help with your specific needs. You may want to ask your lawyer some questions, such as whether they are confident in handling your case and if they are familiar with the state laws that apply to your legal issue.
What Are the Main Steps that Occur During the Probate Process?
Going through probate in California can be overwhelming since it is not something most people do very often. It can help to know the main steps before entering probate. Some critical steps during probate are inventorying the estate, validifying the will, paying creditors from the decedent’s estate, paying estate taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the decedent’s wishes. An executor is named to oversee this process, and they may hire a lawyer to help them do so correctly.
How Long Does Probate Litigation Take?
As in many fields of law, the length of time to complete your case depends on many factors, such as how large the estate is, how complex the assets are to appraise, and whether there are disputes over the distribution of the inheritance. One of the most important things to remember is that you must file a petition to contest the estate administration within 120 days of receiving notice that probate will occur. If you delay beginning this process, you may lose your right to petition forever.
What Are Some Ways the Elderly Are Abused Financially in El Dorado Hills?
Elder financial abuse is an unfortunate problem that occurs too often in California. This illegal practice takes place when scammers, caretakers, and even friends and family members coerce or trick an elderly person into giving away their money or legal authority. Sometimes, the older person unknowingly creates a will or trust that harms themselves and their family members. Other times, scammers use phony pretenses to steal the person’s financial information. We have also seen cases where caretakers steal goods and cash.
How Can a Lawyer Help Protect My Loved One from Elder Financial Abuse?
If you suspect your loved one of being abused financially, you should consider contacting an attorney right away. The lawyer can help by investigating the events surrounding the alleged abuse, finding evidence that abuse occurred, and recovering the lost goods or cash if possible. Since elder abuse is a crime in California, your lawyer can be an excellent ally in bringing the person responsible to justice. Please reach out to our law firm immediately for counsel and representation if your loved one is a victim of elder financial abuse.