Probate Administration

We work with executors and administrators in court supervised estate administration cases to ensure the process goes smoothly and the estate is distributed to the beneficiaries without unnecessary delays.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the term for a mandatory court proceeding for someone who dies without a Trust and that has an estate with a fair market value above a specific dollar amount (i.e., assets that exceed $166,250 in value or real property that exceeds $55,425. These figures are adjusted upward periodically, with the next adjustment coming on April 1, 2022). The court will appoint someone to serve as the “personal representative” who may also be called the Executor or Administrator, depending on whether the decedent (the legal term used for the person who has died) made a will and named them to serve.

The Probate Process

The  probate process is set up to ensure that the decedent’s estate is managed efficiently, and the assets are used to pay the decedent’s debts and then distribute the balance to the heirs. There are very specific tasks which must be done within a specific time frame so the help of an attorney who is experienced with this area of law is critical. The Probate process can take a year or more and all the papers filed with the court are available to the public. Compared to Trust Administration, a Probate is usually much more expensive.

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FREQUENTLY Asked Questions about

Probate Administration

Do you have questions about probate administration and the probate process? Find more information about probate below!

What Does Probate Cost, and Who Pays?

First Court Filing – What’s Involved?

Creditor's Claims

Inventory & Appraisal

Sale Of Real Property

Wrapping Up Administration

What Is A Bond And Why Do I Need One?

You’ve Been Appointed – Now What?

Tax Returns & Other Notices

Tangible Personal Property

Probate Accounting

Do You Have More Questions About Probate Administration?

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Let Us Help You

If you would like to speak with an attorney about estate planning, probate, resolving an estate-related dispute or protecting your loved one from abuse, contact our office today.

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Our Reviews

Melissa H.
Former Client
"Melissa and team are exceptional attorneys. After my father passed, we had a difficult family case. The firm handled all of our questions with the upmost regard and empathy. Melissa always provided her time when we had questions and thoroughly prepared us for our depositions. The firm played an integral role in keeping our family’s nerves at bay during the long period we waited before the judgement. This firm is extremely detail-oriented and are proactive listeners. They understood our situation and were so involved it seemed like we were the only case they were working on. Not only did we win our case, Melissa and her team’s guidance was unmatched. I highly recommend using Melissa and Bellator Law Group and we are deeply appreciative of all the firm did to support us."
Robyn W.
Former Client
"I personally worked with the Bellator Law Group over the last 2 years and I don't think you could find a more kind, compassionate group of lawyers/staff anywhere. They handled our stress associated with a lawsuit with professionalism and expertise. I was amazed at how the details we shared with them on day 1 were exactly the details that came out at the trial - these days, it's unusual for someone to actually listen to everything you say. Melissa Lum, Merrianne Dean, and Mona Gantos were always communicating by email, phone or zoom to keep us up to date. I'd give them 10 stars if I could."
Lani M.
Former Client
"Melissa and her team were available for questions, concerns, very professional, extremely knowledgeable and empathetic, kind. A comfort to work with Bellator Law group during a trying time. Highly recommend."
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