It comes as a surprise to many that when a person passes away with assets, his or her estate may be able to avoid probate. In California, when assets and property can bypass probate, they may be able to do so through something called a simplified proceeding. If you have questions about a loved one’s estate, you will need to know: What is a simplified proceeding in California?
When a person dies, his or her property has to be legally transferred to their heirs after any qualifying debts are paid. To put it very simply, the probate court will oversee the process of identifying the decedent’s assets, liabilities, and debtors, and approve various tasks before heirs are paid. However, probate involves numerous phases that could potentially become complicated and time-consuming for those involved.
Under California law, if the gross value of the decedent’s real and personal property in California is not more than $166,250, and 40 days have passed since the individual died, his or her successor may be able to transfer ownership of inherited assets through a simplified or summary probate. To qualify, the individual’s estate must not be under probate administration, or if the estate is under administration, the personal representative must have consented to using simplified probate.
If an estate meets the legal requirements for simplified probate, assets can pass to heirs in one of the following circumstances:
In many circumstances, estates have complicating factors that make going through probate a necessity. Numerous requirements must be met before an estate can qualify for a simplified process, and if you are considering using one, it is crucial that you consult with an experienced California probate attorney to examine your situation.
At the Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo, we are experienced California estate planning attorneys who can help you evaluate your loved one’s estate and consider your probate options. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.