Mired in Probate Court? Let Morris & Morris Help
Probate Lawyers Serving Southern California Families Since 1997
One of the major goals of solid estate planning is to avoid a probate process that can be expensive and time-consuming. However, there are circumstances where the probate process can be beneficial. Let one of our experienced probate attorneys guide your California family toward closure in these sometimes-complex legal matters.
Our skilled probate lawyers can help bring order to the chaos of the probate process. Our clients appreciate our client-centered approach to dispensing legal advice and getting results. Rather than emphasize the morbid legal jargon of the probate world, we speak in terms you can understand. We spell out your specific options and prepare you for what to expect. We want to forge a relationship with you and your family that you can depend upon for many years.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Probate
A few of the advantages of probate include the protection of heirs and beneficiaries against claims made by creditors and potential tax savings on items received from the deceased through the probate process. Receiving property through the court-supervised probate process generally ensures that you will not have problems with creditors claiming an interest in your property.
As for tax advantages, receiving property through probate will often entitled you to a "step-up" in the tax basis for the property, which could potentially save you from large capital gains taxes down the road.
Disadvantages of the probate process include the potential for unnecessary delays, drawn-out arguments over trivial matters and burdensome expenses. In some instances, five percent of an estate's total value can be lost to filing fees, appraiser fees and personal representatives' fees.
The highly public nature of probate proceedings can also be a drawback. All disputes, asset information and court hearings are public matters.
Our probate attorneys are eager to enlighten you further on the subject of probate. You can feel secure knowing your family can trust a family-owned and operated law office like Morris & Morris.
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation.
Has a probate dispute divided your family? Are your rights being protected? We can address these issues during a free consultation in our Arcadia, California, office. Contact us by e-mail or phone today.
