Is Probate as Bad a Process as People Say?

 Posted on June 08, 2023 in Probate / Estate Administration

Probate is the legal process through which the assets of a deceased person are distributed to their heirs. It often gets a bad rap in society, with many referring to it as a long and expensive process. While probate can be time-consuming and costly in some cases, it is not always as bad as it is portrayed. Today, we will explore some of the common fallacies about probate and help you understand whether it is all that bad. In any case, an estate planning attorney can be an excellent resource as you work through the process to ensure everything is completed correctly.

Here is What You Need to Know About Probate

Something many people get wrong about probate is that it always takes an excessive amount of time. In reality, the amount of time it takes to get through probate can vary significantly depending on the individual circumstances. For instance, suppose the estate is simple, with few assets or beneficiaries. In that case, the probate process may prove to be a quicker one. 

However, if the estate is complex with lots of moving parts, or if the estate involves significant assets or is contested, the process can take longer.

Another mistaken belief is that probate costs lots of money. While it is undeniably true that some costs may be associated with probate, including court and attorney fees, these expenses are not always astronomical. Again, a lot of it depends on the complexity of the case. Significant assets or contested documents will likely result in a more expensive process, since it will require more work from attorneys and may also mean more time spent in court. 

Are There Any Advantages to Probate? 

On the bright side, it could be said that an advantage of probate is that the court system oversees it. The court will ensure that the assets are distributed according to the deceased person’s wishes and in accordance with the law. The goal is for the deceased person’s beneficiaries to experience as little unnecessary strife and legal uncertainty as possible. 

Contact a Los Angeles Probate Attorney

When it comes to probate, while it may not be as bad as people sometimes say, it certainly can be a complicated and detailed process. However, probate can be a manageable process with the right legal counsel and proactive planning. Contact the skilled L.A. County probate lawyer with Law Office of David Schechet for legal representation. Call 800-282-4731 for a free consultation. 

Source

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/estate-law/what-is-probate/#:~:text=Probate%20is%20a%20legal%20process%20that%20occurs%20after,decedent%29%20are%20formally%20transferred%20to%20their%20new%20owners.