I want to do a do-it-yourself probate in CA, without using the services of an attorney.?

Question

Has anyone else done this, and with what results? How much work was it? Would you do it yourself again, or use an attorney this time?

Answer 1

"Has anyone else done this..."

Of course. Lots of people.  

"and with what results?"

Some have had no problems. Some end up paying thousands more than they would have otherwise had to pay in taxes, or fees, or to a lawyer they hire to sort out the mess. Some end up losing what they thought they were going to inherit.

"How much work was it?"

A lot. Since CA doesn't require probate for small estates, it follows that you're handling a larger, and therefore more complex estate.

Unless you're VERY familiar with probate law (and real estate law if there's real estate involved) I would NOT recommend it.

Richard

Answer 2

Personally, I would go with an attorney as these situations can get a bit complicated.  You can try sites like the one below to find attorneys in CA.  Good luck!

http://www.socalattorneyfinder.com

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