Why does California probate administration take so long?
Following the passing of your loved one, the last thing that most people want to deal with is a long estate administration. Unfortunately, even the quickest formal probate administration can take between six and nine months to complete.
Well why does California probate administration take so long? Well, California probate laws outline step-by-step procedures for carrying out the affairs of the estate. This serves to protect creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries to ensure that the right parties receive the property that they are entitled to receive. These steps each add to the amount of time that it takes to complete the probate proceedings.
Why does California probate administration take so long?
Common examples, include the following:
- First of all, an administrator or executor must be appointed
- Additionally, property must be identified
- Also, taxes must be paid
- Additionally, title to each individual asset must be properly transferred
- Furthermore, notice must be provided in order to give creditors an opportunity to file their claims
- Difficulty locating heirs or beneficiaries
- Additionally, challenges to the validity of a will
- Lastly, difficulty locating a will
In addition, if the circumstances of your probate administration call for increased court supervision and involvement, it will often add time to the process.
While dealing with a lengthy probate proceeding can be frustrating, it is very important that you take all of the proper steps in order to protect yourself from potential liability and preserve the assets of the estate. To learn more about the estate administration process, view our free guide, The Insider’s Guide to California Probate and Trust Administration. Contact an experienced San Diego estate lawyer today for additional assistance. Call our toll-free number at (888) 443-6590 for a consultation. You may also contact us via our quick and easy online form today. It would be our pleasure to further assist you.
Administrator (noun):
The Administrator of an Estate is a legal term. This term refers to someone appointed by a Court to administer the Estate of a deceased person with no Will.
Executor (noun):
Person named in a Will as the person who will make sure that the instructions in the Will are followed. They are responsible for executing the Will, and are either appointed by the court or by the deceased person. They are responsible for taking care of a deceased person’s financial obligations. Financial obligations include disposing of property and paying bills and taxes. The executor must also make certain that the deceased last wishes are carried out according to the Will.