Probate

Probate is a court proceeding that may be required to administer an estate that doesn't have a trust. If your loved one has passed away and has assets worth more than $184,000 outside of a trust (or in accounts without beneficiary designations), their estate will likely need to go to probate.

While you are not required to have an attorney to open a probate case in California, you may want one to help you navigate the process and represent you in court.

And, there may be alternatives to opening a probate that are available, depending on the facts of your situation.

If you would like to discuss whether you need to open a probate, or you would like to discuss whether there are alternatives to probate that can be used in your situation, please contact my office to schedule a consultation.