Probate / Litigation

Dealing with Probate

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What is Probate?

What is Probate?

Probate is the judicial process whereby a will is “proved” in a court of law and accepted as a valid public document that is the true last testament of the deceased, or whereby the estate is settled according to the laws of intestacy in the state of residence or real property of the deceased at time of death in the absence of a legal will.

Court Procedure

Court Procedure

Probate is granted as the first step in the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, resolving all claims, and distributing the deceased person’s property under a will. A probate court decides the legal validity of a testator’s (the deceased’s) will and grants its approval, also known as granting probate to the executor. The probate will then becomes a legal instrument that may be enforced by the executor in the courts if necessary.

Court Appointee

Court Appointee

A probate also officially appoints the executor (or personal representative), generally named in the will, as having legal power to dispose of the testator’s assets in the manner specified in the testator’s will. However, through the probate process, a will may be contested.

Litigation Attorneys

Going to court is always a serious matter.  Whether you have been sued or you have a situation which requires the court’s help, you will need an experienced litigation lawyer.  At the outset you will need the experience and expertise of a litigation lawyer to assess your situation or case and to help you understand your legal situation.  The litigation lawyer will then help you determine the best path to follow to resolve your situation.  The litigation lawyer will research the facts that led to the dispute, and analyze them to identify applicable law, remedies, and solutions.   If the matter proceeds to court, the litigation lawyer will guide you through the legal process, deadlines, procedures, case development, negotiations, and court hearings that must be navigated to successfully resolve your legal matter.  The skill, experience, and dedication of your litigation lawyer will make a difference.

Litigation Attorneys

Probate Attorneys

Probate Attorneys

At Hart, Mieras & Morris, we represent clients throughout the United States and in particular Southern California, with offices in Arcadia, Burbank, Los Angeles, Glendora, Irvine, Temecula, Valencia, Whittier, and Woodland Hills. For a confidential consultation, contact us contact@hmmlegal.com or call our main office at 626-445-1212 (toll-free at 1-800-529-5570) to set up an appointment.