Many people often neglect to make arrangements for their estate and finances in the event of their death. Failure to draft a will can cause a great deal of complexity when it comes to handling the deceased’s affairs and could result in the estate becoming “tied up” in legal proceedings for several years. San Diego probate lawyers specialize in the probate area of law, and understand the limitations and legal proceedings that probate entails.
Probate occurs when an individual estate has no will or set of legal instructions to direct the disposition of one’s affairs. Knowing how assets are going to be divided, debtors taken care of, property disposed of, charitable bequeaths are all handled by the probate court. This is done before the Superior Court of California for the County of San Diego in the Probate Court, which a San Diego lawyer could navigate with efficiency
Probate is of chief concern for the heirs and beneficiaries of individuals whose loved one dies without a will. Dying without a will, known as dying intestate, leaves it up to the probate court to decide what happens to the person’s estate. A person leaves an estate, whether there is money or assets or anything else that is tangible upon death. The San Diego probate lawyer understands the system for disposing of a decedent’s affairs and resolving the competing concerns of the heirs.
Settling matters such as these in a probate court can take anything from months to years. This is usually due to the amount of time it can take for heirs or beneficiaries to step forward, in the event that none can be easily located. Not only will a San Diego probate lawyer try to resolve the matter as fairly as possible, but they will resolve to get the process over as quickly and efficiently as they are able to.
A legal background in wills, estates, trusts and probate are a must for an attorney practicing probate law. Looking at a individuals background and credentials is helpful. Checking online legal directories and asking questions also helps to ensure that the San Diego probate lawyer you higher is competent.