PROBATE ADMINISTRATION
Navigating Probate Doesn't Have to Be Overwhelming
Guidance through one of life's most difficult transitions — with clarity and compassion.
What Happens When There's No Plan
When a loved one passes away, someone has to handle what's left behind. The debts. The assets. The accounts. The property. If there's no trust in place, that process goes through probate — a court-supervised process that can take months, cost thousands, and play out in public record.
At 5 West Legal, we guide families through every step of probate administration so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal process.
What Probate Actually Looks Like
It starts with the court. Before anything can be distributed, the estate has to be officially opened with the probate court. We handle the petition, the filing, and the deadlines so nothing gets missed.
Then comes the inventory. Every asset — bank accounts, real estate, personal property — has to be identified, valued, and documented. We guide the personal representative through every step.
Then the creditors. Before heirs receive anything, debts have to be addressed. We make sure creditors are properly notified and claims are handled correctly — protecting the estate and the personal representative.
Here's What Most Families Don't Know About Probate
Probate is public. That means anyone — neighbors, distant relatives, creditors — can look up exactly what your loved one owned and who received what.
It's also expensive. Court fees, filing fees, and legal costs come directly out of the estate — reducing what your family actually receives.
And it takes time. Months. Sometimes longer.
The good news? Proper estate planning — specifically a funded revocable living trust — can avoid probate entirely. If you're currently in the middle of probate, we'll help you through it. And when it's over, let's make sure your family never has to go through this again.
Ready to Get Through This — Together?
At 5 West Legal we handle probate administration — the process of properly settling and closing an estate. If your situation involves contested claims, disputed wills, or litigation between parties, that falls outside our scope and we'll make sure you're connected with the right resource.