How do I protect the assets of a deceased parent?
If a parent has died in California, the best way to protect their assets is to hire a probate attorney. Probate is the court process of collecting a deceased person’s assets, paying any creditors, and distributing their estate to the heirs. An attorney can help with all the legal paperwork associated with the probate process, such as filing the correct forms with the court. In addition to probate, a California resident may also need to consider filing an estate tax return if the value of their parent’s assets exceeds the state’s threshold. An experienced attorney can help ensure that the taxes are properly filed and paid. If a parent has passed away without a will, the surviving family members should consult an estate planning attorney to determine how to distribute the parent’s assets. California has laws in place to determine how assets are distributed if a deceased person did not have a will. An attorney will be able to explain these laws and help the family decide how to properly distribute the assets. Finally, it is important to make sure that any assets a parent may have left to their heirs are protected. This includes setting up trusts to manage assets such as investments, property, and other valuables. An estate planning attorney can help with this process, as well as advise family members on the best ways to handle any taxes and fees associated with the inheritance.
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