Probate in California

Get Started

We begin with a simple on-line questionnaire, and apply your answers to your initial petition. After you’ve had an opportunity to review and sign, we’ll file it with the court. When your file-stamped petition is returned, we’ll highlight the case information, like hearing date and location, marked on your documents. As your hearing date approaches, we’ll holler if there are any official concerns about your case. We hope to help you clear those concerns.

Whether you receive appointment as an Executor under a will, or as an Administrator, there’s a lot to be accomplished. Notices to post, publication to arrange, the EIN application, an interest-bearing account to establish. We’ll walk you through these steps handling many of them for you.

Deal with Debts

Probate has many delays, for example the month you likely waited for your first hearing. But now begins a four month ‘last chance’ for financial claims to be filed against the estate. We’ll prompt you for known debts and accounts, to populate your creditor’s notice. And, If you’ve spent your own money toward the probate, we’ll add you, too.

For more information about delay, see our article How Long Does Probate Take?

Collect Assets

To speed probate, don’t just sit around and wait for claims to appear. Time to inventory the estate. We’ll start with a high level overview and compile your answers and format the inventory for your delivery to your court-appointed Probate Referee. With the inventory and appraisal filed, a major milestone is achieved!

Distribute

You might be wondering if you’ve arrived at the end yet. Well, are the debts resolved? Are the assets collected, inventoried, and appraised? Great! Because, if you’ve wrapped up all the loose ends, you can go ahead and petition for a final distribution. Filing a petition for final distribution will trigger your last round of notes and a second hearing.

Some customers have waited a month or more for issuance of their orders, so patience is recommended. We help you remember to collect receipts while you hand over the inheritance and empty the estate. If real property is inherited, we’ll even help you through the normal procedures for certification and recordation with the county.

Finish Up

Ready to close the probate and be done? Great, just gather the signed receipts and we’ll add your Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge. Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? Just file and wait. If the examiners find nothing missing, expect your discharge to arrive in a few weeks time. Congratulations, you’re free!