Today I will be speaking to a group of paralegals at the Sheraton in downtown Sacramento on the probate process from start to finish. Here is a summary of the outline. If you want my full outline just ask and I’d be happy to share it!  -John

1. HOW TO FILE AN ESTATE IN PROBATE COURT 9-9:45 John Palley

1. Distinctions Between the Modest and Larger Estate
2. The Estate Timetable and What Needs to Be Done
3. Steps for Proving the Will
4. Steps for Challenging the Will

1. WORKING WITH EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS 9:45-10:30 John Palley

1. Duties of Executors or Administrators During the Probate Process
2. Paralegal Contact With Executors or Administrators
3. How Misconduct and/or Removal of Executors or Administrators is Handled
4. Compensation
5. Special Administration
6. Duties of the Attorney for the Executor – Who is the Client?

1. HOW TO PREPARE AND FILE THE INVENTORY 10:45-11:45

1. ADMINISTRATION OF THE ESTATE 12:45-1:30

1. Creditors, disclaimers, cash management

1. ETHICAL PERILS IN THE PROBATE PROCESS 1:30-2:30

1. Ethics and avoiding malpractice

1. DEALING WITH SPOUSE’S ELECTIVE SHARES 2:45-3:30

1. Homestead, family allowance, and other under utilized tools

1. UNDERSTANDING THE LAWS OF INTESTACY 3:30-4

A. Who gets what when if there is no will

VIII.CLOSING THE ESTATE 4-4:30

1. Final accounting and ending the case