Joseph E. Deering, Jr., Attorney at Law is a
Santa Monica probate attorney. He has practiced law in California since 1972 and provides significant experience when helping clients with legal concerns. Here is what he tells his clients:
My area of law practice focuses on trusts, estate planning, probate litigation, elder care, real estate, and civil litigation. I also have a special interest in helping older persons with their legal problems. What is probate law?
Probate law dictates the probate process, which determines:
- will validity
- Debt payment
- Tax payment
- Property/asset distribution to beneficiaries
Not all property must go through probate because certain property is exempt. Examples of exempt property are assets held in a trust, assets owned jointly with rights of survivorship, and insurance policies or investments with named beneficiaries. When do you need a probate lawyer?
People with substantial assets who reside in California generally want to avoid probate as much as possible. While states vary in probate costs, the expense involved in probating an estate in California is considerably high.
The ideal time to speak with a probate law firm about an estate is while you still have the opportunity to plan, minimize taxation, and preserve assets.
Whenever will or trust contests arise, you also need experienced Santa Monica probate lawyers who can protect your interests. Typically, matters contested during trust administration or probate litigation include:
- Conflicting wills of different dates
- Undue influence over the person writing the will or trust
- Mental incapacity when signing a will or trust
- Alleged will or trust forgery
- Improperly written or ambiguous will or trust
- Improper execution by the will executor or trustee
Keeping your will or trust up to date as circumstances change is also important. That way matters can be handled as you intended after you are gone. I call this giving your trust or will a tune up. Please also visit my other websites:
www.joedeering.com www.trusttuneup.com
Discuss your concerns with an experienced Santa Monica probate lawyer
Our probate law firm has offices conveniently located in Santa Monica and Pasadena, CA. We offer a no-obligation, free initial consultation. Call 866-214-7267 or contact Santa Monica probate lawyer Joseph E. Deering, Jr. online.