Questions to Address During Asset Distribution Under a California Will
When you begin the process of administering an estate that contains a valid California will, many of the important steps necessary to carry out the process are outlined within the document. This includes a distribution provision that will instruct the personal representative to distribute certain assets of the estate to named individuals or a group of individuals. Before making these distributions, it is important to consider the following questions.
What to Ask During an Asset Distribution:
- Has the will been admitted to probate and approved by the court?
- Have any debts been paid off completely?
- Do the distribution provisions name the beneficiary?
- Can the beneficiary be easily located?
- Is the beneficiary a minor?
- Has the beneficiary executed a disclaimer, meaning that he or she is not accepting any distribution from the estate?
- Do any third parties need to be notified of the change in ownership of the asset?
- What are the steps necessary for transferring ownership of the property?
Remember, it is important to consider each of the above questions before carrying out the instructions outlined in the will. However, making distributions to minors is a unique matter to address. Our article, “Be Careful What Property You Distribute to Minors in California,” outlines how and when distributions to minors can be made during the administration of an estate. To learn more about carrying out the provisions of a will, contact an experienced San Diego probate lawyer today. Call our toll-free number at (888) 443-6590 for a consultation.
Related Links: