Probate and Trust Administration
A probate and a Trust administration are two distinct processes. A probate typically occurs when a person dies intestate (without a will), with a will, or with a Trust that has not been properly funded. A California probate takes a great deal of time, with 12 months to 18 months being the norm. Ideally, your estate will not have to be probated. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jack B. Friedell can counsel you on what you can do now so that your estate is not subject to an expensive California probate upon your death.
A Trust administration occurs when the Settlor or Trustor of a Trust dies. A Trust administration is carried out by the successor trustee named in the Trust. The successor trustee can be a professional fiduciary, a family member, a friend, or just about anyone over the age of 18 that the Settlor deems responsible to carry out such an undertaking. There are specific steps that the trustee must take when conducting a Trust administration. Failure to perform the duties of a Trustee can result in personal liability, so it is imperative that a trustee knows what they are doing or seeks out legal counsel that can offer guidance to the trustee.
The Law Offices of Jack B. Friedell also perform California Will contests and Trust litigation. Please review the following links to the right for more information on these topics and the services we offer. Or contact your local California Will contests and Trust litigation lawyer today.