Executor
Named specifically in a Last Will and Testament. Your authority comes from the will and is formalized by the court through Letters Testamentary.
If you have been named as an executor in a will or are seeking to serve as an administrator for a loved one who passed away without an estate plan, you have been entrusted with a significant fiduciary role. In California, this person is known as the Personal Representative. You are legally responsible for managing the estate’s assets, settling debts, and ensuring that heirs receive their rightful inheritance according to the law.
At the Law Offices of W. Steven Chou, we provide the specialized representation required to navigate these complex duties. With over 25 years of experience serving Orange and Los Angeles counties, Attorney Steven Chou ensures you fulfill your legal obligations while protecting you from personal liability.
While the daily tasks of managing an estate are similar, your specific “entity” status depends on whether the decedent left a valid will:
The California Probate Code outlines a strict sequence of actions that must be performed. Missing a deadline or failing to provide a required notice can lead to the court removing you from your position or holding you personally liable for financial losses.
Marshaling and Inventorying Assets
Managing Creditors and Debts
Tax Compliance and Final Accounting
Serving as an executor or administrator is a demanding, time-consuming job. To reflect this, California law (Probate Code § 10800) sets a mandatory fee schedule for your services. This fee is calculated as a percentage of the gross value of the estate.
For example, on a $1,000,000 estate (a common valuation for homes in Orange County), the Personal Representative is entitled to $23,000 in statutory compensation. This fee is paid directly from the estate assets at the conclusion of the case. As your legal counsel, our firm receives the same statutory fee, meaning you do not have to pay for our representation out of your own pocket.
The “Invisible” risk of being an executor is the threat of litigation from unhappy heirs. Attorney W. Steven Chou’s 25 years of experience include a deep familiarity with the local rules at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse and the Central Justice Center.
As a bilingual attorney, he also provides essential support for families in Cerritos, La Palma, and beyond, ensuring that communications between the representative and the beneficiaries are clear and culturally sensitive in both English and Chinese. This transparency is the best defense against family disputes.
If you have been called to serve as a personal representative, let us provide the “legal muscle” and strategic advice you need to succeed. We are ready to assist you from our offices in La Palma and Irvine.
Do you understand the legal risks associated with your role as an executor?
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice for any individual or for any situation or case. The information provided is neither intended to create an attorney-client privilege, nor does viewing this website create an attorney-client privilege.