Cities · Berkeley

Probate Help

When Berkeley families need probate help — start by finding the papers that decide the path.

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Overview

Sometimes there is a formal living trust. Sometimes there is a will in a drawer. Sometimes there is very little. Probate may or may not be required. Before you spend money on the wrong process, inventory what exists and speak with an estate attorney about the actual options.

What to keep in mind

  • Search carefully for estate-planning documents, not only the obvious desk
  • Photograph pages before originals are moved or separated
  • A short legal consult is often cheaper than filing the wrong thing yourself

City hub

This guide is part of Berkeley on Bay Area After Death.

Questions about Probate Help?

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