Probate Attorney in Laguna Niguel, California

Find the right Probate Attorney attorney in Laguna Niguel, CA

In Laguna Niguel, California, probate is the process through which a Court determines if a will is valid or not.

As part of this process, the Laguna Niguel, California probate court will determine the validity of the will, inventory the decedent's assets and debts, and then, finally, distribute the estate according to the will, assuming it is found to be valid.

Most wills name a specific person as the executor of the estate, but sometimes they don't, or the named executor is dead, out of the court's jurisdiction, or otherwise unfit to serve in this capacity. In these cases, a Laguna Niguel, California probate court has to appoint one.

The executor is the person who has to get the ball rolling on the probate process, and essentially serves as a living embodiment of the decedent's estate. It is their job to defend the estate from debtors (if a legitimate defense for the debt exists, of course), and wind up any legal proceedings that the decedent might have been immersed in. If an executor needs to be appointed, a court normally chooses the person who will inherit the most if the will is given effect, since that person will have the most motivation to carry out the duties of the executor.

Duties of the Executor in Laguna Niguel, California

The executor has many duties concerning the will. First, they have to really initiate the probate proceedings, which must be completed before the will is effectuated.

They further are required to provide notice to the people with a direct interest in the estate that the decedent has died, normally by filing a death certificate.

The executor will also have to gather and make available a list of all of the decedent's debts and assets, as well as a list of those who stand to inherit from the decedent.

As the representative of the estate, the executor has to take charge of the probate process, filing the required court papers, and, if necessary, hiring an attorney for assistance. If the estate is large, and the executor stands to inherit a great deal of money once this process is fulfilled, they'll probably find it to be worth the time and expense.

How Can A Laguna Niguel, California Lawyer Help?

Because this can be (though isn't always) a fairly difficult process, it's a good idea to get a brilliant probate lawyer in Laguna Niguel, California, especially if you find yourself being the executor of an estate, and aren't sure how to proceed.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Laguna Niguel

Laguna Niguel, California is a city in Orange County. Laguna Niguel is known for its affluence, and upscale amenities. It currently has a population of about 63,000 people.

Laguna Niguel was incorporated in 1959, and was built from a detailed master plan, making it an early example of a master-planned community. When construction of the I-5 freeway completed in the early 1960s, the population of Laguna Niguel, California began to grow much more rapidly.

Like many communities in Orange County, Laguna Niguel is quite affluent. The median household income is over ,000 per year, with many successful professionals, such as lawyers, making it their home. Many of these professionals work in other nearby cities. The top employers within the Laguna Niguel city limits are generally in the retail industry.

Because of its large concentration of professionals and businesses, there are many lawyers in Laguna Niguel, California who are capable of handing a wide range of legal issues. If you live in the area, and need legal advice, it's very likely that a Laguna Niguel, California attorney can help you out.

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