Title Goes Here

This is where your introduction to the service page would go. You can also add a call to action here!

What is this page about?

This is where you can provide more top-level information about this service. Please be as descriptive as possible.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

More Information Goes Here

You need a place to add more content for SEO. This is a longform text section that could be utilized to add more content to your top-level service pages.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

FREQUENTLY Asked Questions about

This Service

If you have questions about this service, then you are in the right place. Below are answers to commonly asked questions about the law and process.

What Is Probate Administration?

Probate administration (often referred to as just probate) is the legal process for transferring assets from a decedent to his or her next of kin. Probate administration is a Court process initiated by filing a petition with the Court.  During probate administration, the legal representative for the estate will be responsible for providing certain legal notices, complying with court and legal deadlines, and filing periodic reports with the court. Probate administration is generally disfavored because it is generally a long, complex, and expensive process.

What Does Probate Mean?

Estate planning, estate and trust administration, conservatorships and disputes involving estates are all governed by the California Probate Code. Court proceedings related to these kinds of cases are heard in a specially designated department of the California Superior Court, known as the Probate Court. The rules and procedures that apply to this area of the law have been developed over time and are quite different from the rules and procedures that apply to other areas of the law.

Do I Need A Probate Attorney?

While there are forms that you can use to complete the probate process without an attorney, many executors benefit from the experience of an estate planning attorney. At Bellator Law Group, we guide clients through this long, complex process and fight to ensure their interests are protected.

What Happens If A Loved One Dies Without A Will?

When someone dies without writing a will or a trust, their property will be distributed to their next of kin. This nearly always requires a formal probate, but the good news is that a probate proceeding will provide the structure needed to accomplish the distribution of the estate even when the person left no instructions about who is to receive her property. If the person has a surviving spouse or children, they will receive the person’s estate but not necessarily in equal shares.  If the person did not have a spouse or children, the court will look for their next closest relatives and distribute the assets to them. After a spouse and children, the person’s parents are next in line. If the person was not survived by their parents, but had brothers or sisters, they would receive the person’s estate.

How Long Does Probate Take?

In California, the executor of a will of the deceased must complete the probate process within one year of the day they are appointed or they must provide justification as to why they cannot complete the process within that time. However, the probate process can take anywhere between 18 months to 24 months, depending on the circumstances.

Do You Have More Questions About This Service?

Please get in touch!

Let Us Help You

If you would like to speak with an attorney about estate planning, probate, resolving an estate-related dispute or protecting your loved one from abuse, contact our office today.

get in touch

Our Reviews

Melissa H.
Former Client
"Melissa and team are exceptional attorneys. After my father passed, we had a difficult family case. The firm handled all of our questions with the upmost regard and empathy. Melissa always provided her time when we had questions and thoroughly prepared us for our depositions. The firm played an integral role in keeping our family’s nerves at bay during the long period we waited before the judgement. This firm is extremely detail-oriented and are proactive listeners. They understood our situation and were so involved it seemed like we were the only case they were working on. Not only did we win our case, Melissa and her team’s guidance was unmatched. I highly recommend using Melissa and Bellator Law Group and we are deeply appreciative of all the firm did to support us."
Robyn W.
Former Client
"I personally worked with the Bellator Law Group over the last 2 years and I don't think you could find a more kind, compassionate group of lawyers/staff anywhere. They handled our stress associated with a lawsuit with professionalism and expertise. I was amazed at how the details we shared with them on day 1 were exactly the details that came out at the trial - these days, it's unusual for someone to actually listen to everything you say. Melissa Lum, Merrianne Dean, and Mona Gantos were always communicating by email, phone or zoom to keep us up to date. I'd give them 10 stars if I could."
Lani M.
Former Client
"Melissa and her team were available for questions, concerns, very professional, extremely knowledgeable and empathetic, kind. A comfort to work with Bellator Law group during a trying time. Highly recommend."