Probate Law

San Francisco Probate Attorney

When a loved one dies, it can be extremely challenging to face the complexities of probate and estate administration. At the Hardin Law Offices, Attorney Shannon L. Hardin can take on the burdens of resolving the estate so that you and your family can move forward. We educate you on the process and provide honest, straightforward answers to your questions when they arise.

Probate and Estate Administration in California

When an individual dies, with or without a will, his or her possessions may need to pass through the probate court. This process involves many steps and can seem overwhelming, especially when mourning the death of a loved one. At the Hardin Law Offices, we can help you through each of the steps, ensuring that statutory guidelines are met and deadlines are complied with. We help the executor or administrator to handle all aspects of probate and estate administration, including:

• Wills: Locating and filing any existing will with the clerk of court within 30 days; administering the will and admitting it to probate court; resolving will contests that arise involving the validity of the will.
• Notifications: Complying with California laws that require all interested parties (such as relatives or creditors) to be notified of the death within specific statutory guidelines.
• Assets: Locating and collecting all property or other assets; re-titling the assets, naming the estate as the owner; and obtaining property valuations or appraisals to assess the value of the assets, if necessary.
• Creditor claims: Carefully evaluating all creditors' claims for payment; challenging and litigating creditors' claims where necessary; and paying valid debts.
• Taxes: Completing state and federal estate tax filings when estate planning has not effectively enabled the property to avoid taxation.
• Asset distribution: At the conclusion of the process, distributing the remaining assets to family members and other loved ones in accordance with the will or statutory intestate laws (when there is not a will); re-titling the assets in the name of the beneficiaries and implementing and administering trusts to shield assets for minors, individuals with special needs, and other beneficiaries.

If you need experienced and personal guidance through probate or estate administration, you can trust that Shannon L. Hardin will provide you with the quality legal counsel you need to help you through the process as efficiently and effectively as possible. Contact our probate law office for a free initial consultation to discuss your concerns with a skilled probate lawyer.