Do you need to file probate in Humboldt County to settle your loved one’s estate? At A People’s Choice, we can prepare the documents you need to start and finish the probate process. Most probate matters are settled within one year and primarily consists of filling legal documents with the court. It is rare for probate disputes to arise throughout the process. Using the services of A People’s Choice to file probate in Humboldt County will save the estate thousands of dollars as compared to hiring a probate attorney.
Contact us to learn more about how to complete and file probate legal documents in California. Our experienced staff can guide you through the entire probate process. Read on to learn more about how to file probate in Humboldt County.
File Probate in Humboldt County
Probate Statutory Fees Overview
You can avoid paying statutory fees for probate by using the services of an experienced legal document assistant. Probate attorneys charge statutory fees which coincide with the gross value of the estate. This means that, when you file probate in Humboldt County, an estate worth $300,000 will have a higher attorney fee than an estate worth $200.000. For large estates, this calculation can cost the estate thousands of extra dollars. Use our probate calculator to see exactly how much an probate attorney can charge for your estate. Keep in mind, extraordinary services that may be necessary to sell assets during the probate process or negotiate creditors are not included in these statutory calculations.
Where to File Probate in Humboldt County
When you file probate in Humboldt County, you will need to present all documents at the Court Clerk’s office at the following location:
Humboldt County Courthouse
421 I Street
Eureka, CA 95501
The Humboldt County Probate court hears matters involving probate and conservatorship. Probate is the court supervised process of identifying and collecting a person’s assets after he/she passes away. During probate, the deceased debts and taxes are paid by liquidating assets. Any remaining assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries.
Court hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The court’s website is located here.
Humboldt County Probate Rules
Before you file probate in Humboldt County, be sure you review the local probate rules before filing the petition. Refer to Chapter 7 to read rules on probate cases.
Adjudicated Newspapers for Humboldt County
When you file probate in Humboldt County, you will need to make arrangements to publish notice of the probate petition. Several newspapers may be able to publish the required notice for Humboldt County probate cases. They are:
Mad River Union
Times-Standard
There are specific rules regarding which newspaper is proper for publication so make sure you are familiar with the rules so that the proper paper completes this essential notice requirement.
Humboldt County Probate Examiner
Most counties have a probate examiner that reviews all probate documents before the hearing. Some small counties do not offer this service which can cause unexpected delays in the case should there be deficiencies in the paperwork.
Humboldt County Probate Referee
The probate referee for Humboldt County is Michael L. Retzolff. The Probate Referee’s duties consist of valuing all non-cash assets of the decedent. The probate referee will enter these values on attachment 2 of the Inventory and Appraisal. The personal representative must arrange for the completion of the inventory and timely file it with the court. You can contact the probate referee as follows:
Michael L. Retzloff
4709 Patricia Drive
Eureka, CA 95503-6422
Phone: (707) 444-3015
FAX: (707) 444-3602
e-mail: probate@suddenlinkmail.com
How to File Probate in Humboldt County
File a petition to probate the estate with the local court clerk of the decedent’s last residence. The probate process has many steps. Ultimately, upon completion of the probate matter, the personal representative will be given court authority to distribute the decedent’s assets according to his/her last will and testament or California’s intestate succession laws.
First, the court will issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration before an appraisal of the estate can be made. Once Letters are issued, the estate’s Executor must perform an inventory and appraisal of the decedent’s estate. All creditors and interested parties must be notified about the probate proceedings. Once all non-monetary assets are appraised, the estate Executor or representative can liquidate the assets to pay outstanding taxes, debts, and creditors. Remaining assets will be distributed to beneficiaries and heirs.
Contact us to speak with our legal document preparer about how to file probate in Humboldt County and to get a better understanding of the probate process. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to hire an attorney to probate your loved one’s estate. Most professionals can complete the probate process with the assistance of a legal document preparer. Call us today at 800-747-2780.
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