Probate attorney guides executors through every step of the process
Most executors have never probated a will; many are surprised to learn the decedent's will named them as the responsible party. I provide indispensable service for executors who have no prior experience in the probate court on matters that include:
- Filing the will with the California probate court
- Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously settling the estate
- Finding and assembling assets
- Pay creditors and claimants
- Collecting amounts owed the estate
- Closing and opening bank accounts
- Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
- Paying current and delinquent taxes as well as estate taxes
- Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
- Locating beneficiaries
- Hiring experts, when appropriate
Executors can easily make mistakes due to inexperience, stress and hasty decisions. This can be costly, as executors can be held personally liable for beneficiaries' losses. I guide executors through every step of the probate process, with reliable, detailed advice, so you can settle the testator's estate as efficiently, quickly and easily as possible.
Probate Disputes
Do you feel like you are being kept in the dark about the trust or the estate? Do you believe that the person handling the trust or the estate has done something wrong? Even in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes between disappointed beneficiaries and the will's executor. When representing executors, I strive for the utmost professionalism in negotiations and in the courtroom. Whether the issue is a will challenge or an accusation of mismanagement of estate assets, I advocate vigorously for the testator's estate and the executor. Typical probate disputes include:
- Missing assets
- Mishandling of assets
- Breach of fiduciary duty to beneficiaries
- Lack of transparency
- Obtaining an accounting
Contact an experienced and knowledgeable probate lawyer
Gilliland Law, APC provides will and probate court services in Carlsbad and throughout California. Call me at 760-918-5630 or contact my office online to schedule a consultation.