Probate & Trust Administration

Estate Planning Attorneys in Santa Clarita Valley

Estate planning can be extremely complex, especially when it comes to probate. Probate is a court-supervised process that is used to wind up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. The purpose of it is to ensure that final bills and expenses of the decedent—including any taxes owed—are paid off and the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries named in the decedent’s will. Unfortunately, the probate process can be lengthy, contentious and expensive.

At Cohen Law, A PLC, we offer legal help focused on resolving your estate planning issues as quickly as possible, no matter the complexity of the estate in question. Administration of a trust or entire estate can be a taxing and confusing undertaking, which is why we are here to help.

Call (661) 418-2793 today for a case evaluation.

Is Probate Necessary?

If probate is necessary to administer a decedent’s estate, the process typically begins when a will is submitted and a person is appointed as the estate's executor. If no will exists, then a petition is filed to request the appointment of an administrator. The administrator and the executor are usually referred to as personal representatives. The personal representative's duties are to collect the assets, file an inventory, provide notice to creditors, pay bills and taxes and, when these tasks are accomplished, to ask the court for permission to close the estate.

Contested Wills and Trusts

Unfortunately, even the most well-executed wills can be contested. Beneficiaries, or those who think they should be beneficiaries, have the right to contest the will within a certain period of time. Unresolved property or financial disputes can further complicate matters pertaining to the estate. Whether you have questions about your will or trust administration or are dealing with probate issues that are beyond your control, please contact Cohen Law, A PLC today.

Our Valencia trust and probate administration attorneys represent trustees, estate representatives and will executors in the following duties:

• Identifying and locating trust or estate assets
• Preparing all necessary court pleadings
• Locating and notifying beneficiaries and creditors

• Providing documentation to the probate court
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries
• Resolving any disputes involving the estate
• Paying administrative fees and adequately compensating trustees and/or personal representatives

To schedule a meeting with our estate, trust, and probate law firm, please call (661) 418-2793 or contact us online. We service clients from Valencia and the surrounding areas, including the Santa Clarita Valley and the San Fernando Valley.