Probate is a time-consuming, costly, and stressful process. Our experienced team will guide you through each step!
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We help safeguard the value of the Estate, reducing costly mistakes and ensuring beneficiaries receive what was intended.
Our expertise ensures the Probate process moves forward efficiently, preventing unnecessary delays or complications.
Avoid surprises with our clear, upfront pricing, so you know exactly what to expect throughout the Probate process.
If you’re facing the complexities of probate, Vanguard Legal Group is here to provide expert guidance.
Probate can be time-consuming and costly, with legal proceedings often taking years to resolve. Our experienced team is committed to guiding you through each step.
While we pride ourselves on creating Trusts that avoid Probate, we understand that not everyone has had a Trust prepared by Vanguard Legal Group.
If Probate is part of your reality, you don’t have to face it alone!
In California, if you pass away with assets valued over $184,500 not held in a Trust, California law will require a process called Probate.
Probate is a Court Proceeding initiated by your family or creditors. This includes proceeding determines:
1. The Existence and Validity of a Will: Was a Will validly executed? What are the Terms of the Will?
2. Financial Obligations: Are there any debts or taxes to be paid?
3. Asset Valuation: What is the total value of the deceased’s Estate?
4. Heirs and Beneficiaries: Who are the rightful inheritors of the Estate?
The California state court oversees this process, which can be slow, time-consuming and expensive. After all creditors, taxes, probate court expense, attorney fees, and other liabilities have been paid, then the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries named in a Will, or to the heirs as determined by law if there was no Will.
In many instances, Probate is initiated by family members when real Estate is involved.
Probate cases often take several years to settle. Meanwhile, ALL PROPERTY AND ASSETS ARE FROZEN. No one can sell any Real Estate titled to the Deceased until the Probate is complete.
Probate costs approximately 6% or more of the Estate’s total value if no disagreements or other issues repeatedly arise. For example, if an individual owns a home valued at $1,000,000 and has $100,000 in liquid assets, the cost to the Estate would exceed $65,000.
Probate is also a public court case where all your personal and financial affairs are made available to the general public.
If this sounds like a nightmare, it is.
We’ve never written a Trust that required Probate at Vanguard Legal Group. However, if Probate has become your reality due to not having a Trust prepared by our firm, our expert team is here to guide you through the process and help ensure your loved one’s Estate is handled with care and efficiency.
Don’t hesitate to contact our Client Services team at 888-995-6014 or using the form below.
Use the form to tell us your needs, and we’ll provide the guidance you’re looking for.
My experience with Vanguard has been excellent. Their staff and attorney were very professional and made the process extremely clear.
They answered all my questions quickly and followed up with me when necessary in a timely manner.
I am very happy with Vanguard and would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to create their Estate Plan.
– Robin | California
Vanguard was an absolute pleasure to work with. They were patient and professional, operating with the knowledge and respect that this kind of law work requires.
You’re talking about death, worst case scenarios, etc, and they were very helpful all the way through.
I really appreciate their clear communication and the level of organization as a whole. They made the process very easy.
– Rob | California
I had a great experience with Vanguard in putting together my living trust. I have waited 20 yrs to do this and so glad I finally did it.
My experience with Vanguard was excellent and they were helpful and professional always. I highly recommend them if you are interested in a living trust.
– Liz | California
From the beginning Vanguard was excellent. Very thorough at answering all my questions.
They even contacted me a couple of months later to make sure everything was funded properly and to see if I had any other questions.
I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again or refer a friend.
– Ron | California
We diligently shopped around for help with our Living Trust. Vanguard was our fifth legal advisor, and I’m convinced we made the very best choice.
From our first contact with Vanguard to create our Living Trust, everything was smooth, professional, educational, and pleasant.
– Lydia | California
This was a very good experience for my husband and myself. The process was easy to understand even though the documents were complex.
Vanguard seems to have our best interests in mind. We would recommend this firm to anyone considering a trust for themselves.
– Suzy | California