How are payments distributed through probate?

When someone passes away, their estate must go through the probate process before it can be distributed to heirs. During this process, the court will determine the validity of the deceased’s will, if applicable, and the legal title of assets. In California, all of the deceased’s assets must be determined and valued in order to be properly distributed. Probate allows for the debts of the deceased to be paid out first. The court will determine the amount of money owed and the creditors must be paid. After all known debts have been paid, any remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are those listed in the will, or in the absence of a will, the heirs-at-law. To distribute the money, the court will appoint the Executor of the estate. This person is responsible for distributing the money to the beneficiaries. The Executor must obtain receipts or other proof of payment for each named beneficiary entitled to receive a payment from the estate. All assets that are subject to probate in California must be distributed according to the laws of intestacy. This is the law that defines who is entitled to receive assets upon a person’s death. The Executor has the responsibility for distributing the estate in accordance with this law. Once the Executor has distributed the assets, they must then file a Final Account with the court for review by the Probate Referee. The court will then issue an Order of Distribution, which will officially give the beneficiaries the right to their inheritance. In summary, the probate process must be completed to determine and distribute the deceased’s assets. Debts must be paid out first, followed by the distribution of any remaining assets to the beneficiaries. The Executor is responsible for distributing these assets to the named beneficiaries. The court will then review the Final Account and issue an Order of Distribution to complete the probate process.

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