We Help Families Navigate Probate in California

At The Law Offices of Joel A. Harris P.C., our Antioch family probate attorney has the skills, experience, and legal knowledge that you can rely on. Our firm helps families navigate legal complexities. If you have any questions or concerns about probate, we are here to help. Contact us at our Antioch office today for a completely confidential consultation with a top California family probate lawyer.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process by which a court validates a deceased person’s will and oversees the distribution of their estate. It can be a complicated, potentially time-consuming process. Along with other things, it involves identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, and ensuring that the remaining assets are transferred to the rightful beneficiaries.

An Overview of Probate in California

Probate is a state issue. For example, if a person passes away in Antioch, their estate will be finalized under California law. Probate courts are county counts. Probate is handled in the county of residence of the decedent—even if he or she owns some property in another county or even another state. Here are some key things to know about probate in California:

• Probate does not start automatically: The executor of the estate—person named in the will—or another responsible party (personal representative) should file the paperwork to open the probate.
• Threshold for probate: In California, estates valued under $184,500—$61,500 limit for real property—may be able to use simplified procedures that can bypass the formal probate process.
• Probate court must confirm will or lack thereof: At the outset of the probate process, the court will need to determine the validity of the will. If the decedent did not write a will, then the probate court must confirm that fact.

Probate is Often a Family Affair

Probate is a family affair. For most estates, family members are heavily involved. A family member may be appointed as the executor—meaning that they are the person responsible for filing paperwork, identifying property, paying off debts, and distributing assets. Family members are also often the main (or sole) beneficiaries of the estate. To avoid conflicts, close collaboration is a must. Effective communication can make family probate less challenging.

Why Trust California Family Probate Lawyer Joel A. Harris?

Probate is complicated—especially when you are navigating the process as a family. Our founding attorney Joel A. Harris has deep experience handling probate in Contra Costa County and the surrounding region in Northern California. We are proactive and detail focused. Along with other things, our Antioch family probate attorney is prepared to:

• Hear your story and answer questions about probate law
• Gather all relevant documents, records, and information
• Handle all of California’s probate law requirements
• Take action to help your family overcome any challenges

Contact Our Antioch Family Probate Lawyer Today

At The Law Offices of Joel A. Harris P.C., our California family probate attorney has three decades of experience. If you have any questions about probate, we are more than happy to help. Contact us now for a fully private consultation. With a law office in Antioch, we handle family probate matters in Contra Costa County and throughout the wider Bay Area.