Experienced Palm Springs Probate Lawyer
Coping with the passing of a family member is difficult enough without having to sort through the intricacies of probate court. Whether the person died without a will (called intestacy) or with a will, the probate court will take the assets of the decease, use them to pay the bills and distribute the balance of the estate to the persons named under the will, or among living heirs if the person died intestate. Probate is usually challenging, takes a longtime, and can subject the estate to significant expenses. Robert Firth is a Palm Springs probate attorney who represents individuals and families in probate court and can help get a family member named as the “Administrator” of the estate to ensure that the deceased’ bills are paid and the assets are distributed equitably.
Contesting a Will or Trust |
"Often we get clients who have either paid an automated online service to create an estate plan through a series of questions, or hired an inexperienced lawyer or paralegal to create a will or living trust. " |
Many people forget to update their wills or trusts regularly, particularly as their health starts to fail. Sometimes, the designated trustee or Administrator might mismanage a trust or a will, leading to the unjust distribution of assets. The Law Offices of Robert L. Firth represents clients who wish to challenge a trustee's choices in probate court. You need the help of a proven and experienced lawyer to challenge the will or trust in the event that you think you've been unfairly treated in the estate plan of the one you love. Attorney Robert Firth is a successful trust litigation lawyer serving the Coachella Valley with a proven record of success in shielding and protecting his client’s interests.
Administering a Decedent's Estate When There's No Will or Trust
A person who dies without a will or trust in place is called “intestate”, meaning will create one for the deceased according to the rules of intestate succession set forth in the California Probate Code. The Probate Court will appoint an administrator to deal with the deceased person's affairs, pay the bills, contact the heirs at law and distribute any remaining assets. Attorney Firth can help in the appointment of an administrator for the estate, ensuring that your loved one’s estate is handled competently and efficiently.
Repairing a Botched Will or Trust
Often we get clients who have either paid an automated online service to create an estate plan through a series of questions, or hired an inexperienced lawyer or paralegal to create a will or living trust. These circumstances tend to lead to a sub-par document which can often be open to interpretation by family members, lawyers or a probate judge. As an experienced Wills & Living Trust lawyer, Rob Firth is able to ensure you take the appropriate steps when administering a trust or will, helping you avoid accusations of mismanagement, avoiding expensive litigation and addressing any problems a faulty legal document may have caused.
How Are Probate Legal Fees Paid?
Many probate cases can be handled with no out of pocket fees to the administrator. Legal fees generated by a probate case are paid at the end of a case out of the probate estate based on an approved California fee schedule:
• 4% of the first 100,000 of the gross value of the probate estate
• 3% of the next $100,000
• 2% of the next $800,000
• 1% of the next $9 million
• ½% of the next 15 million
• “a reasonable amount” of anything over $25 million
If you feel overwhelmed and need help, contact me today @ (760) 770-4066. This is the first step in the right direction to the right plan, right solution and swift execution of your wishes. I look forward to speaking with you personally.
• 4% of the first 100,000 of the gross value of the probate estate
• 3% of the next $100,000
• 2% of the next $800,000
• 1% of the next $9 million
• ½% of the next 15 million
• “a reasonable amount” of anything over $25 million
If you feel overwhelmed and need help, contact me today @ (760) 770-4066. This is the first step in the right direction to the right plan, right solution and swift execution of your wishes. I look forward to speaking with you personally.
