Santa Clara, UT Probate Lawyers

If you live in or near Santa Clara and are mourning the recent death of a family member, we are sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one can be an extremely emotional time, made all the more challenging when forced to deal with the many legal issues involved in the resolution of the deceased person’s estate, while at the same trying to cope with your own personal grief. If your loved one did not have a trust, Utah law requires that before any transfer of possessions and assets are made to beneficiaries they must first go through a court process known as probate. Our compassionate Santa Clara probate lawyers can take the burden off you. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

What Exactly Is Probate?

Probate is a legal process required by the courts to determine the amount of a deceased person’s assets (as well as their debts), and how those assets will be distributed amongst beneficiaries and creditors to whom money is owed. If a person has a valid estate plan in place with designated beneficiaries, the probate process is typically straightforward, with minimal disputes and few complications. However, in cases where a person has no will, but left behind considerable assets, the probate process is anything but simple. No matter the circumstances, navigating the legal process of determining how, and to whom, a person’s lifelong assets should be divided can be a lengthy, complicated, and drawn-out ordeal.

The estate executor of the will, or personal representative appointed by the court to oversee the probate process, has a substantial burden placed on their shoulders to satisfy the extensive demands required of them to settle the estate. 

Here are some common tasks an executor typically handles:

• Gather and submit necessary legal documents, such as official copies of the will and death certificate
• Notify relevant parties such as beneficiaries, heirs, and other interested parties
• File court petition to begin probate
• Locate and collect assets, such as bank accounts, investments, properties, personal belongings
• Inventory and appraise assets
• Pay debts and taxes
• Negotiate settlements with creditors
• Manage the estate during the probate process including: making investment decisions, handling financial transactions, maintaining records of all estate transactions
• Communicate with beneficiaries
• Handle legal and financial matters by communicating with lawyers and financial advisors, to assist with legal and financial matters
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries
• Resolve disputes among beneficiaries or other parties of interest
• Finalize accounting of the estate
• And more…

How Can A Santa Clara Probate Lawyer Help?

The time required to take on just one of these individual tasks alone can be overwhelming. When you consider the amount of paperwork, research time, hours spent on the phone (or on hold) not to mention the added stress of grieving a loss, while at the same time trying to maintain a semblance of a normal life, you understand the magnitude of the job you are undertaking.

Consider this additional factor. You may be held legally liable for any mistakes or delays resulting from improperly filling out or filing paperwork and be sued, prolonging the process and proving more costly in the long run. That’s why it is in your best interest to work with knowledgeable Santa Clara  probate lawyers who can handle all the complex paperwork and worrisome details involved in probate administration, and make your life much less complicated.

Why Choose ProvenLaw?

At ProvenLaw we only focus on estate, trust, and tax matters, meaning we are thoroughly familiar with probate administration law and can help guide you through the process. We will answer any questions you might have, take the time to explain your options, and most importantly provide you with peace of mind knowing we are working on your behalf so that you don’t have to worry about anything! We have over 95+ years of collective experience helping people going through similar circumstances. Call our Santa Clara probate lawyers today to schedule your free 30 minute consultation and discover your options.