Probate Litigation Attorneys
Our Expertise
Real Estate Law
Trust Administration
Landlord Representation
Wills, Trust & Estate planning
Business Litigation & Formation
Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs
Divorce & Family Law
Probate Administration & Litigation
San Francisco Probate Litigation attorneys
When an individual dies, there may be various disputes between beneficaries when the case is brought before the California Probate court you will need a probate litigation attorney to protect you rights. If there is a dispute about a will or trust, call our offices today to speak directly to a lawyer.
If your inheritance is at risk, you need the guidance of a knowledgeable probate litigation attorney. The Bassin Law Firm provides an experienced California probate litigation team that has earned a reputation for aggressive courtroom skills to meet the needs of our clients. Our lawyers focus on handling complex estate and inheritance litigation matters involving probate, wills, and trusts.
If you are involved in a probate dispute or you have concerns about a recently deceased loved one’s will, trust, or estate, a lawyer from The Bassin Law Firm California probate litigation team can help.
If you receive a Notice of Administration call us for help. A Notice of administration usually states that any objections to upcoming probate proceedings must be raised. You must act quickly, objections must be raised within a few months of recieving the notice. You should consult a probate litigation attorney for any concerns regarding the distribution of significant assets in an estate. We can begin working to protect your rights as soon as possible.
Our probate litigation attorneys at The Bassin Law Firm assist clients throughout California from our offices in San Francisco County. Contact us today at (415) 753-5245 for a free and confidential consultation.
Understanding Probate in California
Probate is the legal oversight of the transfer of a deceased person’s assets. In many cases, the deceased has left a will that directs how he or she wanted specific assets and personal property distributed.
For example, a will names beneficiaries and what assets they are to receive. A trust appoints a successor trustee who takes over the administration of the trust and its assets.
With will vs without will
- There is a will. “Testate” It should name an executor, who must file the will in the Local probate Court. The court will appoint an individual, usually the named executor, to administer the deceased’s estate. The executor ensures the estates debts and taxes are paid and. The executor must also collect any money owed to the estate, and that they report to the court on the status of the estate. The executors ensure that the assets of the estate are divided and distributed per the terms of the will.
- The individual died without a will. “Intestate.” The probate court will appoint an administrator who is responsible for identifying legal heirs to the deceased and settling the estate’s debts and taxes. The probate court determines how assets will be disributed. Under California Law, Decedents assets are typically distributed according to a succession of kinship (aka consanguinity) to the deceased, i.e., spouse, children, parents, and then siblings.
In California probate often essentially consists of filing probate forms and attesting to their contents in a hearing.
When disputes arise about the contents of a will or trust or the actions of the administrator of an estate or a trustee, those with legal claims have a right to be heard by a probate court.
Probate litigation requires the moving parties to attend hearings and provide documents and testimony to support their claims.