Probate Administration - When the time comes to guide your loved one’s estate through the California probate system, you need the advice and guidance of a California estate planning attorney. Whether your loved one’s estate was planned for with a proper will or your loved one died “intestate” (without a will) the estate will be administered through the California probate court system. Estates with “uncontested wills” can move much more efficiently (and more quickly) through the probate system. Even estates without wills can be navigated through California probate smoothly, if there are no significant probate estate disputes. In the absence of a will, your loved one’s estate will be distributed according to California probate law and pursuant to the California probate code, and, depending on the size of the estate, it can be done relatively quickly. If your loved one died with a valid and uncontested will, the California probate court will usually distribute assets in accordance with the terms of the uncontested will. The estate administrator or executor is responsible for administration of the will and for initiating and maintaining communication with beneficiaries of the estate. The process of probate administration is made substantially easier, and safer, when a California probate lawyer is made part of the process helping to guide your estate through the system. McFarlin & Geurts frequently assist clients with California probate administration and counsel to minimize tax impact and properly balance the interests of all parties involved.