Do you need a probate attorney in San Diego? First let’s talk about what exactly probate is.

Probate is the legal process in which the court ensures that after you die, your legal will is valid, your debts are paid off, and your remaining assets are distributed as requested in your will.

Probate is the only legal process to change the title on an individual’s assets once said person is no longer able to sign their name (which is very difficult after you pass away). Family and friends cannot legally sign either so this is where probate comes in as only the court can change a title after someone dies!

Any and all assets under your name must go through probate if the titles are required to be changed!

Probate is big business in the United States.

A study was recently done by the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP, that focused on the fees of probate. It was discovered that nationwide, attorney fees summed up to over $1.5 billion in just one year. On top of that several hundreds of millions more went to bonding companies, appraisers, and the probate courts.

These fees vary in each state but they are estimated at 3-8% of the average estate’s value. Not only are they costly but they are not very time effective either. In the same study, for even small estate claims the waiting probate process could take on average one to two years and sometimes even longer!

The last thing you want is to have this process cost you unnecessary time and money during an already difficult time. The courts have total power over the situation if you are not properly prepared. If you require a probate attorney or help planning your estate in San Diego contact Ronald R. Webb at LivingTrustAttorneySanDiego.com