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The Law Offices of

Gregory T. Annigian

114 North Indian Hill Blvd.

Suite E

Claremont, CA 91711

Phone:  (909) 981-9340

Fax:  (909) 981-5091

Email:

greg@annigian-law.com

PRACTICE AREAS

Claremont Probate Administration Attorney

                               

Welcome to the Law Office of Gregory T. Annigian. Claremont Probate Administration Lawyer Greg Annigian provides experienced legal representation and counsel to clients in need of skilled Probate Administration assistance.

An attorney who possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge handling Probate Administration matters, Mr. Annigian has helped numerous clients expeditiously settle estates of all sizes over the course of 47 + years.

Contact Claremont Probate Administration Attorney Gregory T. Annigian at (909) 981-9340 to make an appointment with one of the area’s most respected Estate and Probate Law Firms. The Probate process can be lengthy and complicated, and failure to retain legal counsel can result in costly disputes arising from procedural mistakes.

Call today to learn how Gregory Annigian can help you through Probate Administration as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

Probate Administration Lawyer Greg Annigian in Claremont

Probate is the legal process wherein a Probate Court Judge makes a ruling with respect to the validity of the decedent’s will prior to the executor paying any debts and taxes owed by the estate, and the distribution of assets to the named beneficiaries.  

Should a dispute arise regarding the will’s validity (typically based on improper execution, fraud, duress, or lack of testamentary capacity on the part of the decedent at the time the will was signed), it will take longer to conclude the process. If the judge invalidates the decedent’s will, a prior will can be revived and admitted into probate. If a prior will cannot be found or is not in existence, the decedent’s assets will be distributed based on statutory law, also known as intestate succession.

Due to the confusing and complex nature of Probate, it is crucial to retain an experienced Probate Administration Lawyer. Claremont Probate Administration Attorney and Estate Attorney Gregory T. Annigian has a comprehensive understanding of the rules and procedures pertaining to Probating a Will, and will work vigilantly to guide you through the entire process.

The Law Offices of Claremont Estate Lawyer Greg Annigian offers experienced legal counsel in all matters relating to Probate Administration, including assisting clients with the following:

• Distribution of Estate Assets
• Establishing a Will’s Validity
• Filing the Will with the Probate Court
• Filing the Petition for Probate with the Court
• Taking a Complete and Accurate Inventory of Estate Assets
• Drafting an Accounting of the Estate’s Assets and Debts
• Valuation of Estate Assets through an Experienced Appraiser
• Administering Payments to Estate Creditors
• Overseeing Distribution of Estate Assets to Heirs
• Experienced Representation for the Executors or Heirs if Assets Pass through Intestacy

Attorney Gregory T. Annigian offers hands-on representation from the initiation of Probate Proceedings through the completion of Probate. Probate can be wrapped up within a year if everything moves along without any complications. However, if there are any disputes regarding the validity of a will, the manner in which the Executor is distributing assets, or issues between the heirs, it may take years to settle the decedent’s estate.

A skilled negotiator and experienced litigator, Mr. Annigian will make every reasonable effort to move the process forward in a timely manner and will fight to preserve and protect the interests of his clients.

Call a Claremont Probate Administration Attorney for Experienced Representation

Please contact the Law Offices of Claremont Probate Administration Lawyer Gregory T. Annigian at (909) 981-9340 to obtain answers to all of your probate administration questions and learn how we can put our experience to work for you during these difficult times.

FAQ’s

Which Assets Are Required to Go Through Probate?

After losing a loved one, you may be facing the task of settling their estate. Most often there is property, homes, cars, heirlooms, and other items which must be transferred to the decedent’s heirs. It is likely that these assets will have to go through probate first. If the decedent had a living trust, and the assets were properly titled and placed into the trust, it is likely those assets would not be required to complete probate because these are owned by the trust and not the decedent. It is not uncommon for our firm to see assets required to be included in a probate because they were not accurately titled in the trust. For these reasons, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can effectively handle estate planning and probate matters for you.

Where Should Probate be Handled?

The law requires probate to be handled in the county in which the decedent lived at the time of their death. The probate hearings will be conducted in the Probate Department in that county’s Superior Court. When a decedent owns additional property in another state, an “ancillary” proceeding will need to be started in every locale the property is found. The decedent’s home county will become the primary probate proceeding with the other probates being held in other states. Many times, property owners organize a trust to hold their assets. This is especially true in situations in which multiple properties are owned. When assets are properly titled inside a trust, they are essentially shielded from the probate process. This saves time and money for all involved parties.

How does the Court Prove the Validity of a Will?

Early in the probate process, the court will prove that a valid will exists. For a will to be valid in California, it must be written and signed by the decedent. Both typed and handwritten wills are acceptable. In the event an individual was unable to sign, there are other options. Another requirement that makes a will valid is the presence of witness signatures. These two witnesses must have either seen the decedent sign the will, or they were present when the decedent had acknowledged signing the will. Any person who is over 18 and is of sound mind and body can create a will. Because of the legal requirements, having an attorney involved in the estate planning process can help you create an enforceable document with well-informed decisions. 

Is it Necessary to Work with a Probate Attorney?

The probate process can be complex. With many parties involved and detailed steps to be completed in a prescribed order, probate can be daunting, especially when family members are already emotionally sensitive due to the loss of a loved one. Working with an attorney to help you stay on top of deadlines while avoiding mistakes can be a beneficial move. An experienced attorney helps clients navigate probate which also can help to avoid unnecessary delays. Any missing signatures or unintentional misstep may lengthen the timeline for the closing of the estate. In addition, there are times when an attorney’s skills are necessary to smooth out disagreements between family members or other parties who have an interest in the decedent’s assets. Neglecting these disputes may lead to costly litigation or the risk of personal liability for the executor.