Probate follows what is typically a painful emotional loss. Michael R. Peterson at The Law Office of Michael R. Peterson is a knowledgeable, meticulous probate attorney with more than 20 years of experience in probate law. We know how to ease the stress of probate by guiding executors and beneficiaries through the complex process.

The process of probate

Most executors have rarely if ever probated a will and know little about the process. Michael R. Peterson can guide you through all aspects of probate, including:

• Filing the will with the California probate court
• Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
• Finding and collecting assets
• Closing and opening bank accounts
• Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
• Paying estate taxes
• Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
• Locating beneficiaries
• Hiring experts, when appropriate

We help executors with the arduous process of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating the assets of the estate. The Law Office of Michael R. Peterson has a team of experts available to assist in every aspect of estate probate. When appropriate, the firm calls upon accountants, financial advisors, real estate agents, property managers and other professionals to assist with executor duties. We can access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, automobiles and other collectables for accurate valuation, management and possible sale.

Probate disputes

Even in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes between beneficiaries. Michael R. Peterson’s professional courtroom presence can calm the emotionally-charged process of probating a challenged will or disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interests of our client to preserve cordial familial relationships, we are adept at mediating these disputes. When necessary, we assertively defend our client’s beneficiary rights within the California probate court.

Contact a thorough estate planning lawyer.

We serve clients in Davis and throughout California’s Yolo and Sacramento counties. Call the Law Office of Michael R. Peterson at 530-758-1750 to schedule an appointment, or contact us online.