Probating an estate is complicated to begin with - but what happens when the original will has been lost or destroyed? Probating a lost will requires proving that the testator did not intend to revoke the will. Luckily, A People's Choice can help you complete and file the proper documentation for probating a lost or destroyed will. Read on to learn more.

In California, most people who put together an estate plan appoint someone as executor of their will. One of the main duties as executor of a will is to carry out the decedent's wishes after they die. If you are the executor of a will, your duties begin when you open the estate for probate with the court. They do not end until the estate settles and every beneficiary gets his or her share of the estate. California law acknowledges that being an executor of a will is a real job, so if you need help with the probate documents, rely on a professional. Contact A People’s Choice to help you prepare and file the forms for California probate.

There are five steps to open an estate bank account. 1) File Probate; 2) Get Letters Issued; 3) Apply for Tax ID Number (EIN); 4) Select the Bank; 5) Deposit Funds and Open Account. Opening an estate bank account is not difficult if you have the correct forms. It is a good idea to hire a registered legal document assistant to help you with the probate process so there will be no delays to be able to open an estate account during probate.

Sometimes, it is necessary to sell some of the decedent's assets during probate in order to pay the debts. Another reason to sell property during probate is because selling a property and dividing the proceeds among several heirs is much easier than having the heirs share the inherited asset. California’s Probate Code has different rules that govern how to sell property during probate. The difference is whether the court grants to personal representative limited authority or full authority.

Most people never face an emergency when going through the probate process. There are certain situations, however, that lead to probate emergencies and the need to file emergency probate. This special petition is known as a Petition for Letters of Special Administration. If the Petition is approved, the Court Clerk will issue Letters of Special Administration. Letters of Special Administration are temporary Letters of authority that can be approved by the Probate Judge for a specific purpose on an ex parte basis (without a hearing).