Probate can be a complex process for a personal representative of an estate most especially if he does not have an expert knowledge on the subject. However, he may ask help from a probate lawyer to make the legal works a lot easier. But what does it like to be working with a probate attorney Palm Desert CA?
A probate attorney can help in a number of ways, which include the following:
- Works to locate and secure both probate assets and nonprobate assets; this can help you have a clear view of which particular assets are subject to probate.
- Helps obtain date of death values and appraisals of all of the decedent’s property.
- Helps prepare and file all the documents needed as required by the probate court – job that should be done in a timely manner.
- Helps collects life insurance proceeds
- Works to determine if there are any taxes and/or inheritance taxes that will be due both at the federal and state levels; if there is, he could recommend where the cash will come from to pay those taxes.
- With regards to retirement plans such as IRAs and 401(ks), a probate attorney can do roll over and makes appropriate elections
- Assists with the sale of the estate property
- Requests court’s approval for a various actions as required by applicable probate laws in California
- A probate attorney Palm Desert CA also keeps track of the estate checking accounts
- Retitles the decedent’s real estate into the names of the estate beneficiaries (should they choose not to sell the property)
- A probate attorney also works to settle possible disputes arising among Personal Representatives and beneficiaries
- Works to distribute what’s left of the decedent’s assets after the payment of bills and taxes to the beneficiaries (as specified on the documents/will)
Above are examples of work that a probate attorney Palm Desert CA can offer to clients. However, there’s more to that.
If you need help from a probate lawyer, don’t hesitate to contact Ficara Law Office, a legal service provider that is expert on Estate Planning, Trusts, and Bankruptcy.
Contact us at (760) 365-7000