Every state and city is different. LA is known for its shining stars while, not far away, Vegas is known for its shining jackpots. Because each state and city is unique, they have different laws, processes, and procedures for probate. If you live in LA, there are five reasons you might have to go to the Los Angeles Superior Probate Court locations in Downtown or Antelope Valley: 1. Filing a petition for probate 2. Going to your initial probate court hearing 3. Clearing any potential probate notes to get your probate petition approved 4. Notifying the probate court judge of the status of your administration and deadlines 5. Closing probate. If you’re at the beginning of this process, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. Probate is not a simple task. To help, we want to give you a step-by-step look at how probate court works in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Probate Court Process
Step 1: File for probate
In California, the average probate process takes about 9-12 months to complete. However, in some cases, recent events have affected the filing process, increasing this timeline by a few months. If you face any exceptional circumstances, it can take up to 2-3 years (i.e., lawsuits, foreclosures, or family conflicts).
Step 2: Prepare for your hearing
Before you go, you’ll need to publish the hearing in the local newspaper of the location of the decedent’s passing 3 times. You’ll also need to notify the heirs that you’ve filed before going. It’s also extremely helpful to check any probate notes available online. Probate notes are any information your judge will need clarification on in order to approve your petition. This can help reduce the number of times you have to go to court. You can look these up online with your case number 1-3 days before your hearing.
Step 3: Attend your probate hearing
You must attend your court hearing either in-person or via court call if you cannot attend.
Step 4: Get any probate notes cleared & your petition approved
While this step can sometimes be avoided, you may have to go back to court to clarify and clear any probate notes in order to get your petition approved.
Step 5: Submit your bond & begin your administration
Once you submit your bond, you will need to begin your administration. Start by paying off any of the decedent’s debts, getting their property appraised, and distributing any authorized assets.
Step 6: List & sell the property
If you’re granted the authority to sell the decedent’s property, you’ll need to hire an expert probate real estate agent. Not only will they help you understand the probate property sale procedure, but they can help walk you through the probate process itself, thanks to their experience and knowledge.
Step 7: Keep the court updated
You’ll have scheduled hearings to keep the court updated on your administration. This is to ensure you’re both upholding your responsibilities and maintaining your deadlines.
Step 8: Close probate
Once you have completed your administration, you’ll need to file for a petition to distribute the last part of the assets to the heirs. To do so, you must prove to the court that you fulfilled your responsibilities as the Personal Representative. Once you distribute the remaining assets and gather the receipts, you will use the receipts to close your case. We know this might be an extremely emotional and stressful time for you. We want to help. Having a professional probate realtor in Los Angeles on your side can help you know how to sell probate real estate and fulfill your duties to your best ability. Call our team at Josh V Realty today. You’ll be glad you did.
