Getting Ready for Your Probate Attorney Meeting
The probate process can be a stressful period where you are involved in settling the decedent’s estate. Not only are you grieving losing a loved one, you are likely unsure of what to expect, from the first meeting with your probate attorney to how the probate process works. However, there are simple steps you can take to ease the process, and the first one is preparing adequately for your meeting with the probate attorney. Thereafter, the attorney can guide you through the process, depending on the unique circumstances of your case. This guide gives you the starting point for preparing for your first meeting with your probate attorney.
Information To Gather Before the Meeting
Probate attorneys rely heavily on the information their clients share. Your probate attorney may ask several questions about the decedent’s estate to know precisely what they are working with. Therefore, gather as much information about the estate as possible, including:
- Last will: If the decedent left behind a will, bring it with you. If they didn’t have one, don’t panic. The attorney will still guide you through the process, but the lack of a will or testament may lengthen the probate process based on your situation.
- Death certificate: Bring a copy of the decedent’s death certificate to help your attorney determine where the probate case shall be filed.
- A detailed inventory of the estate: Your probate attorney will need to understand the scope of the estate. To help, prepare a list of the assets, such as bank accounts, cars, homes, stocks, real estate, and other valuables. This will help ensure the assets are retitled into the beneficiaries’ names.
- A list of debts: Finding all the debts owed by your loved one can be challenging but critical in the process. List down the debts you may know, including mortgages, credit card debt, medical bills, and loans.
- Personal representative: If there is a named personal representative in the will, and it isn’t you, bring their contact information as well. This would be the case when you are contesting a will.
Where To Find the Information Your Probate Attorney Needs
Now, you may be wondering, where do I look for all this information? You can try looking in the decedent’s personal records. They could have stored them in a filing cabinet if they had one, a home office, or a desk. Additionally, you could look through their mail for information on assets and creditors.
What To Expect During the Meeting
Your first meeting will take about an hour, during which the attorney will review the documents you brought over and determine if a court proceeding is necessary or if you can pursue other alternatives for settling the estate. If you’re required to go to court, you’ll discuss the timelines, filing requirements, and immediate steps to secure estate assets and handle debts. The attorney will also explain their fees and any other costs involved. You’ll have the opportunity to ask the attorney questions to determine if they are the right fit for your case or to address any other concerns related to the estate.
Talk To the Probate Guy
If you require further assistance in preparing for your meeting or need help getting started, contact the dedicated California probate attorney Robert L. Cohen – The Probate Guy – today to schedule a telephonic consultation.
Southern California Probate Lawyer Serving Orange, Riverside, Anaheim, Whittier & Beyond.
Source:
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/simple-transfer
