If you are looking for an attorney to provide legal assistance with probate and estate administration matters in Encino, you may wish to schedule a consultation with Susan Geffen.
Susan B. Geffen is an experienced Encino probate attorney who can work with you to create an estate plan, which is essential in order to spare your family and loved ones many painful details in the probate process. Susan is also available to walk with your family throughout the probate process, handling details and communications while they focus on grieving their loss. There are often many needs that require a compassionate legal professional, and Susan can handle those with discretion and empathy.
What is Probate?
Probate is the first step in the legal process of administering your estate after your death. It seeks to resolve all claims against your estate, such as debts and distributes your remaining assets according to your recorded wishes. In probate, the probate court legally validates your will and then grants approval for the executor to begin carrying out your wishes. After approval by the probate court, your will is enforceable in court if this becomes necessary in a dispute.
Encino probate attorney Susan B. Geffen can provide valuable assistance during these proceedings. This is especially true for those who have no experience with probate matters, and if the executor is inexperienced in closing the estate of a deceased person in California.
Encino Probate with a Will
Probate with a will begins with you contacting a probate attorney like Susan to open a probate case. Susan then helps your family and the designated executor of your loved one’s will through each step of carrying out your final wishes. Believe it or not, this can be a complicated process, and even the order in which you carry out a will’s provisions can be vital. She can also deal with court representatives, debtors, creditors, beneficiaries and others, as well as creating any necessary legal documents.
Encino probate attorney Susan B. Geffen can make this process smoother so your family can focus on dealing with grief over their tragic loss. The many details and communications necessary may even be new territory for the executor, and Susan can help make the process much easier for everyone concerned. With over 30 years of experience in these matters, she will prove to be of infinite value to your family.
Encino Probate When There Isn’t a Will
For loved ones who die without a will, or intestate, the probate process is more complicated. You will now be dealing with a designated representative of the probate court, who will be assigned the task of handling your loved one’s affairs according to state law. Unfortunately, since your loved one’s final wishes were not drafted in a legal will, there is no way of knowing them. The representative will follow the law when distributing your loved one’s assets and otherwise handling his or her affairs.
Susan can now become your family’s legal representative who works with the court-appointed estate administrator to handle your assets and other affairs. There will be numerous legal considerations, and likely some difficulties obtaining your loved one’s assets. Encino probate attorney Susan Geffen will use her over 30 years of probate experience to advocate for your family, pursuing both your interests and your loved one’s best interests throughout the probate process.
Avoid Probate Problems in Encino
You can avoid troublesome probate problems by creating a will and keeping it up-to-date. Life circumstances often change, and this means your will must change, too. Common changes that demand a change to your will include:
- Divorce
- Remarriage
- Death of a spouse
- Birth of children
- Death of children
- Gaining assets
- Losing assets
- Changes with debt
Any changes in your life circumstances should be reflected in your will to prevent future problems with probate. Susan recommends that everyone review their will at least once a year and any time a major change occurs. Contact her office in Encino today to create or review your will.
Trusts & Wills
Susan B. Geffen has helped hundreds of families with their estate planning. Is a Living Trust just for the wealthy? No. If you own a home, have children, wish to leave your assets to whomever you choose, then you should consider having a living trust prepared for you.
Learn MoreProbate
Susan B. Geffen can help you with your probate matter, and provide you with the expert guidance throughout the process.
Learn MoreConservatorships
Many of Susan’s clients ask her about Conservatorships. It is a serious process and it takes a very knowledgeable and experience attorney to evaluate whether or not a conservatorship is realistic and/or necessary.
Learn MoreTrust Litigation
Disputes often arise after an individual dies and their estate is being administered by the named trustee. This is especially so when when there are substantial amounts of money involved or when family conflict is present.
Learn MoreElder Law Attorney in Hermosa Beach
If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.
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If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.
Learn MoreElder Law Attorney in Palos Verdes
If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.
Learn MoreElder Law Attorney in Beverly Hills
If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.
Learn MoreElder Law Attorney in El Segundo
If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.
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Contact Susan
Call Susan today (800) 285-2659 or send her a message by filling out the form below.
Testimonial
Probate- I called Susan B Geffin's office and was able to get an appointment right away. I can't begin to tell you of the great legal advice and take charge help I received in a fast timely matter. I was mourning my dear friend and Susan caring approach to let her handle it made such a difference. She was in my corner at all times and kept me well informed. She was AWESOME in getting my situation resolved. I highly recommend her. Thank you Susan from the bottom of my heart.