Estate Administration in Whittier, California

Find the right Estate Administration attorney in Whittier, CA

Estate administration, in basic terms, is the process of maintenance and distribution of a person's assets after they die.

If the decedent had the foresight to draft and execute a will in Whittier, California, the estate is normally administered in a way that follows the instructions the will lays out, as closely as possible.

Wills normally name an executor. The executor's role revolves around ensuring that the instructions in the will are implemented.

The person named as executor of an estate typically has some work ahead of them. To ensure that they truly follow through on their obligations, most people name as executor the person who will get the most money, or other benefit, if the will is given effect as written. Because an estate can't be distributed until the administration process is complete, the executor has an incentive to see it through.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If a will in Whittier, California is silent as to who should be the executor, it is up to the court to decide who should serve in that capacity.

Typically, the person chosen to be executor is the one who would benefit most under the will, or under California's intestacy laws. "Intestacy" refers to a situation in which a person dies without a will, or "dies intestate." Every state has laws to address this situation, and there isn't a lot of variation from state to state. Typically, the decedent's property will go to his or her closest relative, and if absolutely no living relatives can be found, it will go to the state.

When a will is silent as to who should be the executor, any person who has some direct interest in the outcome can ask to be named executor by the Whittier, California court.

Once an executor is appointed (whether by being named in the will, or on the application of another person), they "step into the shoes" of the estate, and are expected to protect its interests to the fullest extent possible. They also are required to accurately inventory the estate's debts and assets, as well as notify potential beneficiaries.

Can a Whittier, California Estate Administration Attorney Help?

If you are the administrator of an estate, and are not a legal and/or financial professional, you might confront legal or tax issues with which you are unfamiliar. A Whittier, California attorney would be quite helpful in such a situation.

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

Life in Whittier

Whittier is located in Los Angeles County in the state of California. About 12 miles away from Los Angeles, Whittier is a favored commuter city with its bustling economic and residential scene. Whittier, California was named after John Greenleeaf Whittier, a famous poet. The city has over 85,000 residents and was first incorporated in 1898.

Whittier, California is an excellent city for recreation and leisure activities. The city maintains an extensive recreation department that offers youth sports, adult instructional courses, and senior activities. Shopping is excellent in places like the Whittwood Town Center, which is a mall featuring various national retail stores. In addition, the city of Whittier places much emphasis on the development of cultural arts in the city, with projects like the Whittier Cultural Arts Foundation, Art in Public Places, and the Community Arts Coalition.

With its rich history, Whittier, California is also known for its high concentration of historic landmarks, registered both nationally and with the state of California. In particular, the Pio Pico State Historic Park is a well-frequented site, as well as the Whittier Museum. Whittier College is also located in the city and is one of the major employers for the region.

Lawyers in Whittier, California serve the community by offering legal services in a diverse range of fields. Whittier lawyers typically file lawsuits at the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Experienced lawyers in Whittier can help address legal inquires and provide representation in court.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Regel B.
Regel B.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Caldwell, LA

Brad M.
Brad M.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Sussex, NJ

David L.
David L.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Ashland, OH