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Can I Prevent Probate? Over Four Decades of Experience Working Towards Your Goal

Can I Avoid Probate in California?

Navigating Complex California Probate Cases

It is always recommended to consult with an experienced Los Angeles probate lawyer if you want to avoid the probate process. The California probate laws regarding which assets can/can not be excluded in probate are complex. Having our Los Angeles probate attorney on your side can make all the difference.

How to Avoid Probate in California

Avoiding the probate court process in California can save you a lot of time, money, and confusion. It’s not a surprise that people want to take the necessary steps to protect their families from having to go through it.

Different states offer different ways to avoid probate. Here are ways of avoiding probate in California:

  • Creating a Living Trust
  • Setting up a Joint Ownership
  • Payable-on-Death Designations for Bank Accounts
  • Transfer-on-Death Registration for Securities
  • Transfer-on-Death Deeds for Real Estate
  • Transfer-on-Death Registration for Vehicles

When is Probate Unnecessary?

Going through the California probate process is not always recommended or even necessary in some cases. The process can be very time consuming and costly. If you have the following, then you can skip the process all together:

  • Trusts: If the deceased had a trust, you will not need to go through probate. Trusts are created to allow the deceased’s family and friends to inherit without having to go through the long and expensive probate process.
  • Property Held Jointly: You will not be required to file for probate for the deceased’s assets if they are held jointly with another person. However, if you are tenants-in-common meaning each own a specified share of the property, you will have to go through probate.
  • Low Value Assets: If an estate is of low value, usually $166,250 or less for both real estate and personal property in California, it can skip the process also.

Each financial situation is different and figuring out which option is best for yours can be frustrating and complex. Do not hesitate to reach out to our Los Angeles probate avoidance attorney at the Law Office of Mitchell A. Port. We are here to answer any question you may have and make sure you know your options.

The Benefits and Disadvantages of the Probate Process in California

The California probate process is typically avoiding by individuals for a number of reasons, including:

  • It is time consuming
  • Expensive
  • Complications
  • Probate is public record

The California probate process also has multiple benefits even if it is necessary for some estates. They include the following:

  • Protection from creditors
  • Tax protection
  • Resolves estate disputes

Every estate is unique and in order to figure out what works for you, it is necessary to consult with an experienced probate attorney. The Los Angeles probate avoidance attorney at the Law Office of Mitchell A. Port is here to guide you through the process.

Give us a call today to discuss your options.

    "I appreciate you!"

    Thank you so much Mitch. I appreciate you!

    - Tami
    "If you live on one coast and have a complex legal case on the other, you want a lawyer that not only has the knowledge and expertise to handle your case, but can make it as convenient as possible. I found that with Mitchell Port."

    If you live on one coast and have a complex legal case on the other, you want a lawyer that not only has the knowledge and expertise to handle your case, but can make it as convenient as possible. I found that with Mitchell Port. When my husband interviewed a few lawyers by phone, it was Mitch who put him at ease immediately. We had an appointment with him the next day, and from that point, everything was taken care of professionally and expediently. Mitchell explained every part of the probate process with us, and made sure that each step was done correctly and on time. Whenever I had a question, I got a response within a few hours if not minutes. Should I ever be in need of legal help that Mitch can help me with, I would be very happy to have him represent me again.

    - Michelle F.
    "My brother and I have been so fortunate that my father chose Mitch Port to create his Trust!"
    My brother and I have been so fortunate that my father chose Mitch Port to create his Trust!
    - Cathy W
    "Mitch is compassionate, extremely knowledgeable and professional"

    Mitch is compassionate, extremely knowledgeable and professional

    - Lynne
    "Mitchell met my highest expectations."
    Mitchell met my highest expectations.
    - LaTrisha M
    "Mitch was awesome throughout this entire process and made this a stressless process."
    Mitch was awesome throughout this entire process and made this a stressless process.
    - M. C.
    "Probate cases can be difficult but attorney Mitchell Port makes them easier to understand."
    Probate cases can be difficult but attorney Mitchell Port makes them easier to understand.
    - Glendene W.
    "Mitch is extremely knowledgeable about probate matters."
    Mitch is extremely knowledgeable about probate matters.
    - Breena B.
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