Death of a Loved One: Contact a Dependable Probate Lawyer in El Dorado County, California

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, you are faced with many challenges in this time of grieving and reflection. Among other concerns, you may be faced with legally settling the decedent’s estate. 

Probate is the process of legally transferring a decedent’s non-trust assets to the intended beneficiaries, either according to the decedent’s will or according to California intestacy statutes if the decedent died without a will. In California, unless the estate is very small, this will usually mean dealing with the Probate Court. The executor of the will or an appointed administrator will handle all assets, pay debts, bills and taxes and ultimately ensure all beneficiaries and heirs receive what is lawfully theirs. The probate regulations require the executor or personal representative of the estate to take specific steps regarding beneficiaries and creditors, and to file a number of documents in a timely manner with the Probate Court. Many factors may affect the final outcome of how property is transferred or inherited. 

Probate can be a complicated and confusing process, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Clara Yang’s expert and caring advice will guide you every step of the way.

If the decedent’s estate is in a trust, the successor trustee will have the responsibility of trust administration, carrying out the specific terms of the trust. This process is also regulated by statue, but generally takes place outside of the Probate Court. However, it is imperative that the trustee act strictly according to the law and the provisions of the trust. Trust administration can be a complex process and may take a great deal of time before final distribution, depending upon the terms of the trust.

In all cases, you can call on the legal counsel of Clara Yang to guide you through the process of administering the estate.

Because the administration of a decedent’s estate is controlled by state statute, executors and trustees must follow a specific administration process in the state of California. Moreover, executors and trustees are considered fiduciaries of the decedent, and could be held personally liable and be surcharged with attorney’s fees and court costs if they fail to follow the law. Ignorance of the law is not a defense. 

Call Clara Yang to help you understand and deal with probate, trust administration and any related legal issues. 

Going through Probate Court or adminstering a trust is not a simple process. Don’t feel as if you have to do it alone. When you hire an expert like Clara Yang, you’ll have all the help you need to ensure every part of the administration process is completed in a timely and proficient manner. It is always easier to start right at the beginning than to fix a mistake later. Contact Clara Yang right away to begin the administration process.