Probate litigation (for example contesting a will, family estate, or inheritance) in California can be a complex and confusing process, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side.

There are a few things you should know, as it relates to probate litigation.

First, probate is the legal process of proving a will’s validity. This can be done in court or through an informal probate proceeding.

Second, probate litigation generally involves the process of challenging a will or estate in court. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including if you believe the will is invalid or if you think the estate is being mismanaged.

Third, probate can be expensive and time-consuming. The executor of the estate is responsible for paying all probate fees, which can include attorney’s fees, court costs, and funeral expenses. The probate process can also take months or even years to complete.

Fourth, probate is public. This means that anyone can access probate records, including the deceased person’s financial information.

Last, probate is not always necessary. If the deceased person left a small estate or if all of their assets were transferred to a trust or beneficiary before they died, probate may not be required.

The attorneys at MSD LLP can help you navigate these issues in the most cost-efficient and timely way.