Orange County
Probating a Will
The probate process at Orange County Superior Court will determine if a will is valid, and then appoint an executor or administrator. The executor, often a family member or friend, will assume certain duties and obligations, and properly prepare and file all of the legal, accounting, and other court papers.
The duties and obligations of the will executor can include:
- Identifying, collecting and protecting the deceased's assets, while keeping anyone else’s assets separate from the estate.
- Notifying creditors per state law, paying all uncontested creditors at the correct time, and contesting or rejecting claims that appear to be wrong
- Informing the Social Security Administration, insurance companies, credit card companies and others about the death
- Filing all required papers with the probate court, including inventory and appraisal forms, formal accounting, and other legal documents; obtaining court order for distributing the estate
- Filing the decedent's final tax returns, and paying taxes owed
- Determining who inherits the property. If this is not clear in the will, investigating further and filing legal proceedings
- Supervising final distribution of assets to the heirs, obtaining court receipts, attending a court hearing, and obtaining court order discharging the executor from further responsibility.
As you can tell, a lot of responsibility comes with being an executor of an estate. This is on top of all the emotional stress you may have from losing your loved one. By allowing the premier Orange County, California Law Firm of MORTENSEN & REINHEIMER, PC to take over the responsibility of the estate, you can have more time to spend with your friends and family. Most of the duties and obligations above of the probate process can be done by the Orange County, California lawyers/attorneys at MORTENSEN & REINHEIMER, PC and will not require you to be burdened by filing documents at court and attending hearings.
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