Probate Administration

San Jose, California Probate Administration Attorney

Probate can be a lengthy, overwhelming process of notifications, filing requirements, and other court procedures. It sometimes leads to contentious and complex litigation that necessitates the direction and support of an experienced probate administration lawyer.

Even if there is no will, it will be necessary for the estate to be administered through probate before assets can be distributed.

At The Law Offices of Kai H. Wessels, we have a wealth of experience and knowledge in the area of probate administration. Our firm is dedicated to helping our clients assert their rights and protect their best interests.

While helping you probate the will of your loved one, we will always attempt to honor his or her intentions. Please contact our San Jose law firm today to speak with an experienced probate administration attorney.

If you have recently lost a loved one and are seeking to probate a will or administer an estate without a will, we can help protect your interests and honor the intentions of the deceased.

The typical probate proceeding usually takes the following steps:

• Your loved one has created a will
• A petition is filed to probate the will
• Letters testamentary allow you to act on behalf of your loved one
• An inventory of the assets is taken (including debts and taxes) and valuations are given for assets
• Any probate disputes are resolved through probate litigation
• Debts and taxes are paid out of the estate
• If necessary, real estate may be sold and assets may be liquidated to pay the beneficiaries
• Petition for the distribution of assets to beneficiaries is made
• The assets are distributed to the beneficiaries

As your probate administration attorney, Kai H. Wessels will work with you — or your executor or the administrator — to avoid mistakes, protect against personal liability, and settle the estate as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As a result of his knowledge and efficiency handling probate administration, he is trusted by the Santa Clara County Superior Courts to review ex parte applications and to make recommendations to the probate judges to whether those applications should be granted or denied.

Probate litigation

Not all executors have the best interests of the beneficiaries or the intentions of testator in mind. They sometimes fail to distribute the assets correctly or at all. In these situations, attorney Wessels works to protect beneficiary rights and handle any disputes over real estate, tax issues, fraud, or the need to remove a personal representative.