A Probate Lawyer California Can Inform You On How Long Probate Will Probably Take

By Isabelle Stevens


While nobody likes to think about dying, it's important to talk to your law firm San Jose about estate planning. Estate planning ensures that your heirs get their inheritance in a timely manner after your death.

What Makes My Will Valid?

First and foremost, you must write your will when you are mentally competent. You should sign and date the will in front of two witnesses. Select a probate lawyer in California to help you write the will and witness it so that you can ensure that it is valid.

Who Can serve as an Executor to My Will?

Anyone over the age of 18 can serve as the executor of your will. The executor of a will needs to be a trusting and responsible person who is strong-willed. This is because family members may try to influence the decision making process.

Can I Change My Mind?

Speak to your San Jose lawyers immediately if for any reason you want to change your will. Your attorney can make any minor changes or help write a whole new will. This can be done at any time as long as you are mentally fit to understand the changes you are making.

How Much time Does Probate Take?

The length of time that probate takes depends on whether your estate owes significant debts, how much real estate you own and if any outstanding tax needs to be paid. Your law firm San Jose can advise you and your family as to how long probate is likely to take, but an average time period is around 8-12 months.

Are There Alternatives to Wills?

Your San Jose lawyers can help you determine how to plan your estate. If you put funds into a living trust, life insurance policy or other alternatives to a will, it may not have to go through probate. Check with a probate lawyer in California about the best way to set up your estate so that your heirs can receive their inheritances quickly.

If you have significant assets to distribute after your death, it's important to contact a lawyer immediately. If you don't have a will at the time of your death, California law will figure out who gets your assets, which means that your inheritance may be distributed in a way that you do not want.




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