Monthly Archives: May 2025
Can You Probate the Estate of a Missing Person in California?
When someone goes missing in California, families are often left dealing with the stark reality of probably never seeing their loved one again and also in legal limbo, unsure how to handle the person’s assets, debts, or wishes. While the probate process typically involves administering the estate of a deceased person, California law provides… Read More »
Are Handwritten Wills Valid in California?
While most people have typed wills, handwritten wills – also known as holographic wills – remain in use in California. Often, people use holographic wills when they want to draft their wishes quickly or informally, either because they don’t believe their estate is of sufficient size to require a more formal estate plan or… Read More »
What Are the Benefits of Using Mediation in Probate?
In California, after someone passes away, their estate goes through probate, regardless of whether they left a will. Probate involves verifying whether a will is valid, paying outstanding debts and taxes, and correctly distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries, according to the will or the state’s intestate succession laws if there is no will. Sometimes,… Read More »