Here to Protect Both Your Peace of Mind and Their Legacy
Guiding Families Through Probate With Care and Clarity
At HBA, we know that losing a loved one is hard enough without the added stress of probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of settling an estate—validating a will, collecting and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to heirs. While every estate is unique, the process can feel overwhelming, especially during such a difficult time.
Our firm provides clear, steady guidance to help families navigate probate with confidence. Whether the estate involves real property, financial accounts, or personal belongings, we work to ensure each step is handled properly and efficiently. From filing the petition to final distribution, we protect your interests, ease the burden, and help you move forward knowing your loved one’s legacy is being honored.
Probate Follows a Structured Series of Steps in California
We work closely with families to help ensure each requirement is completed thoroughly and on time.
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Filing the Petition: The process begins by filing a petition with the Superior Court. The original will must be submitted along with the filing.
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Scheduling the Hearing: Once filed, the court will typically set a hearing date within four to six weeks.
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Notice to Beneficiaries and Heirs: The law requires that all heirs and beneficiaries receive formal notice. An adult not involved in the case must mail the notices, and a notice must also be published in a newspaper.
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Inventory and Appraisal: The executor or administrator must prepare a complete inventory of the estate’s assets and arrange for an official appraisal.
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Paying Debts and Taxes: Outstanding debts must be addressed, and necessary tax returns must be filed on behalf of the estate.
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Asset Distribution: After debts and taxes are satisfied, the remaining property is distributed according to the will or California’s intestate succession laws if no will exists.
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How Long Does Probate Take?
Most probate cases in California take between nine months and two years. Several factors can affect the timeline, including:
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Disagreements among heirs
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Difficulty locating or valuing estate assets
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Delays in resolving creditor claims or tax matters
By staying organized and addressing potential issues early, we help families avoid many common delays and complete the probate process as efficiently as possible.