The Probate Process
When an individual leaves behind property to loved ones in a will, the validity of the will must first be established before the executor of the will is able to distribute the property to its rightful owners. In order to show the validity of a will, it must first pass through the probate process.
Probate is a legal document that is granted to the executor of an estate after the validity of a will has been established. A probate court examines the will and, barring objections from others over issues such as the validity of the will or a challenge towards the identity of heirs, grants the executor probate once validity is established.
Exemptions from Probate
Not all of a decedent’s estate or property is necessarily subject to the probate process. The following are typically considered exempt from probate, and pass directly to beneficiaries:
- Proceeds from a life insurance policy
- Retirement accounts payable on death
- Jointly-owned bank accounts
- Property held in a trust
While these forms of property are typically exempt from the probate process, they may nevertheless still be subject to estate taxes.
Contact a Probate Lawyer in Los Angeles
If you need legal help with any aspect of the probate process or wish to initiate probate litigation, the dedicated team of legal professionals at Keystone Law Group, P.C., can help.Contact us today by calling (310) 444-9060 to speak with a qualified lawyer about the details of your situation and learn more about what we can do for you.