Probate Attorney in Fountain Valley, California

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

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As part of this process, the Fountain Valley, 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 Fountain Valley, California probate court has to appoint one.

Because the executor is responsible for actually initiating probate proceedings and seeing them to completion, the person chosen for this role is often the one who stands to inherit the most from the will - giving them an incentive to put in the necessary time and effort.

Duties of the Executor in Fountain Valley, California

The executor has many duties concerning the will. First of all, they have to actually initiate the probate proceedings with the court, and this procedure has to be completed before the will takes effect.

The executor also has to give those with a direct interest in the will notice that the decedent has died, by filing an official death certificate.

If the decedent was even moderately well-off financially, it's likely that they'll have significant amounts of both debts and assets. The executor is tasked with creating an accurate accounting of the debts and assets of the estate, so as much of the decedent's debts can be paid off as possible.

Furthermore, the executor is required to take the lead in proving the validity of the will, effectively acting as the living embodiment of the decedent's estate. The executor is usually the person who will inherit the most once the will goes through probate, so they have a good reason to put in the work to do this.

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How Can A Fountain Valley, California Lawyer Help?

Because of the complexities involved in probate, it would be a good idea to consult with and retain a Fountain Valley, California attorney who specializes in probate, especially if you are the executor of an estate.

There are 10 Wills, Trusts and Estates cases posted in Fountain Valley

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Life in Fountain Valley

Fountain Valley, California has a population of about 55,000 and is located in Orange County.  It was named after the many artesian wells found in the area during the time of the city's founding.  Fountain Valley is mostly a residential bedroom community.

As a suburb, much of Fountain Valley, California is comprised of residential neighborhoods.  However, the city has experienced a significant increase in commercial employment, particularly in the area known as the "Southpark" district.  Southpark district is home to offices for several major corporations, including Starbucks and D-Link.  The national headquarters for Hyundai Motor America is also located in Fountain Valley.

One of the main attractions in the city of Fountain Valley, California is Mile Square Regional Park.  The park contains three different 18-hole golf courses, two spectacular lakes, sports fields, picnic areas, and a nature area filled with native Californian plants.  Mile Square Regional Park also has a recreation center complete with tennis, racquetball, and basketball courts.  Fountain Valley is also just minutes away from many Southern California amusement parks. 

Lawyers in Fountain Valley, California help the community by assisting in a wide range of different legal fields.  Fountain Valley lawyers can help answer legal questions, provide explanations of various laws, and represent clients in court.

Probate Lawyers in Other California Cities and Towns


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Top Rated Lawyers

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Christopher R. ORANGE, CA

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David A. ORANGE, CA

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Tom M. Los Angeles West, CA

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Dino L. Los Angeles West, CA

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Julian C. Los Angeles West, CA

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Wills, Trusts and Estates cases posted in Fountain Valley as mapped below.

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