If you have lost a loved one and have to go through probate, you are probably not sure where to begin. That is completely understandable. Probate can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, especially when you are already dealing with the grief of losing someone. Fortunately, you do not have to navigate the process alone. At Amity Law Group, we help guide families through probate with clarity and care.
Probate is often required when a person dies with assets in their name alone. These assets can include real estate, bank accounts, or personal property, such as vehicles. If there is a will, the court will validate it and appoint the executor that it names. If there is no will, the court will appoint someone to manage the estate, and California’s intestacy laws will determine how the property is divided.
Understanding the timeline and responsibilities involved is the first step in the probate process in Covina.
What Happens During Probate?
The probate process in California follows a structured series of steps. It usually begins with you filing a petition with the probate court in the county where the deceased lived.
This petition, which notifies the court that someone has passed away and their estate needs to be managed, is a formal request for the court to appoint an executor or administrator to oversee the estate. When you file the petition, you are essentially asking the court for permission to act on behalf of the deceased in financial and legal matters.
Once the court approves the petition, the executor (or administrator, if there is no will) is given legal authority to act as the estate’s representative. If you are the executor, you must:
- Gather all assets
- Notify heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
- Pay valid debts
- File necessary tax returns
You may also need to obtain appraisals, sell property, and resolve disputes that arise along the way. After you handle all the financial obligations, you can distribute the remaining assets.
In Covina, the probate procedure can take several months to several years, depending on the estate’s size and complexity, and whether any party contests the will.
Is Probate Always Required?
Not every estate has to go through full probate; the state allows for simplified procedures in certain cases. For example, if the estate’s total value is below a certain threshold, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit or summary probate process. These alternatives are generally faster and less expensive.
In addition, certain assets bypass probate entirely. Jointly owned property, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, and life insurance policies usually transfer directly to the co-owner or named beneficiary. This is one reason proper estate planning can make a significant difference.
Still, many Covina families find themselves needing to open a probate case—especially if the deceased did not have a living trust or the will is being contested. In these situations, working with an experienced attorney may be essential in avoiding unnecessary delays or mistakes.
Talk to a Covina Attorney About the Probate Process Today
If you are facing the probate process in Covina, you do not have to go through it alone. The legal steps can be complex, but they do not have to be confusing if you have the right guidance.
At Amity Law Group, we help clients understand each stage of probate and support them with compassion and professionalism. Whether you are an executor trying to fulfill your duties or a family member trying to understand your rights, we are here to help. Contact Amity Law Group today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your loved one’s estate.
