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Sacramento Probate & Trust Administration Lawyer
Ensuring the smooth and accurate execution of a person's final wishes is an important part of estate planning. Wills and trusts are both essential components of any estate plan. A part of those plans involves selecting trusted individuals to carry out the instructions detailed in these documents.
A skilled Sacramento probate and trust administration lawyer can help ensure that all assets are distributed as intended, allowing families to focus on honoring the memories of their loved ones.
Huber Fox serves clients throughout the Greater Sacramento Area. Call today at (916) 237-8781 or reach out here online today to set up a consultation.
The Probate Process in California
Probate involves appointing a personal representative (the executor) to collect and protect assets, handle payments to creditors, and account for all transactions. Depending on the size of the estate, this can involve a lot of paperwork and legal mechanics. Our Sacramento probate and trust administration attorneys can take the lead on everything from the filing of paperwork to handling any complicated issues that arise along the way.
Duties of an Executor in Probate
Executors have the important responsibility of managing an estate's assets in a reasonable manner, while properly accounting for and maintaining all records of their actions. Creditors need to be identified and notified in a timely fashion. Payment of debts must take place before an estate can be distributed, and heirs need to be notified of any debts that may have reduced the inheritance they expected to receive.
All transactions entered on behalf of the estate must be documented thoroughly, and an executor can be subject to legal action by heirs if it is believed the estate has been mishandled.
The Length of the Probate Process in California
The length of time it takes to complete a probate case can be as short as eight months or as long as several years, depending on the complexity of the estate. For a typical estate, 12 months is the most likely timeframe.
Reach out to Huber Fox today by either calling (916) 237-8781 or through filling out our online contact form today.
Small Estates in Probate Court
California has a unique and faster process for estates that California defines as “small.” California’s definition of a small estate changes with inflation and is currently $184,500 for deaths that occur after April 1, 2022.
A Petition to Determine Succession is one way to handle this process. Another is an Affidavit under Probate Code § 13000, which may be used to obtain cash, tangible personal property, and outstanding debts. Either can provide for a simpler and more expeditious resolution than a full-blown probate proceeding.
Care should be taken when calculating the gross value of the estate for this purpose, as certain properties can be excluded from the calculation in accordance with Probate Code § 13050.
Beneficiaries or heirs who receive property through such an affidavit should also be aware that creditors can pursue them for any monies owed by the deceased.
Marital Property in Probate
A Spousal Property Petition, filed under Probate Code section 13500, enables the surviving spouse to receive all property they would have been entitled to without having to incur the costs and hassle of a full-blown probate process. This includes property designated to the spouse in the decedent's will, and any community property owned by both parties.
Debts of the Deceased in Probate
Beneficiaries or heirs of a decedent's estate who acquire property through one of the summary proceedings discussed here may be subject to creditor pursuit for up to the full value of the property received.
What Our Clients Say
Reviews & Testimonials
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"Jonathan is honest and always has his client's best interests when making decisions"
Huber Fox is our family attorney. Jonathan is honest and always has his client's best interests when making decisions.
- Laurie G. -
"Provide expert legal advice, in a timely fashion"
Jonathan Huber provided expert legal advice, in a timely fashion and guided us through the entire process with genuine concern and attention to detail. We’d highly recommend his services.
- K. Hernandez -
"The staff demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, with attention to detail"
Jonathan Huber and his staff demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism with attention to detail and consistently prompt turnaround.
- Chris S. -
"Thank you all for your help & kindness"
On behalf of my late son and myself, I want to thank you all for your help & kindness during this terrible time.
- Former Client -
"Jonathan Huber and his staff made it easy"
Jonathan Huber and his staff made it easy to get our trust set up through his office.
- Sunny O. -
"Huber Fox, P.C. was very helpful"
Huber Fox, P.C. was very helpful in going through the probate court process
- Former Client -
"Will work hard to ensure your or your family's needs are met"
I will always recommend Huber for any future family trusts and wills etc.
- Amber H. -
"They were thorough, meticulous, honest, and reassuring"
Jonathan Huber and Benjamin Fox spent many exhausting hours on my case. They were thorough, meticulous, honest, and reassuring, and the result was… my case won! These men are like family to me now, I can call anytime!
- Former Client
Administrators & Executors You Can Count On
The Sacramento probate and trust administration attorneys at Huber Fox have deep experience helping clients find the path that will be best for them.
Call today at (916) 237-8781 or contact us online and set up a consultation.
