Author Archives: Jay Butchko
9 Essential Steps of the Probate Process in California
The probate process in California entails more than just distributing estate assets to beneficiaries or heirs. In this article, we discuss nine essential steps of the probate process in California. Read on! Appointment of a Personal Representative Before the probate process can begin, the court must appoint a personal representative. The personal representative is… Read More »
Receiving an Inheritance? Here Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid, According to Experts
If you recently lost a loved one and are expecting to receive an inheritance towards the end of the probate process, you likely have mixed emotions. On one end, you are grieving the loss of your loved one. On the other end, you might be feeling some excitement because of this blessing you are… Read More »
Tips on Managing Assets During Probate
If you recently lost a loved one and found out that you were chosen to be the executor of their estate, you should prepare yourself for the responsibilities that lie ahead. Among the many things you will need to do as the executor of your loved one’s estate is to locate and manage all… Read More »
Who Is a Probate Judge and What Do They Do?
If you recently lost a loved one, you need to familiarize yourself with who a probate judge is and what they do. Your deceased loved one’s estate will most likely go through the probate process, so it is best that you understand the role of a probate judge before the process begins. Probate is… Read More »
Locating a Missing Beneficiary or Heir
If you are the executor or personal representative of a deceased person’s estate, one of your legal duties is to distribute the deceased’s assets to the beneficiaries or heirs. A beneficiary or heir is someone who is entitled to benefit from a decedent’s estate. However, the work of distributing assets to beneficiaries and heirs… Read More »
What Makes a Will Valid in California?
In California, creating a Will is one of the easiest ways for a person to ensure their loved ones are well taken care of after their passing. However, not all Wills are valid or enforceable in California. After someone dies, their Will is admitted to probate, and its validity is determined. Probate is the… Read More »
How Can a Prenuptial Agreement Affect Probate?
Several legal documents can play a crucial role in the probate process. One of those documents is a prenuptial or premarital agreement. Because of the prevalence of premarital agreements in the United States of America, especially among millennials, it is vital that we discuss how a prenup can affect probate. According to one particular… Read More »
How to Close a Probate Estate in California
The California probate process involves many steps, with the last stage being closing the probate estate. As the administration of an estate nears completion, it is vital that the personal representative understands how to close the probate estate. There are several steps that a personal representative must complete in order to properly close an… Read More »
Undue Influence: A List of Red Flags
After someone dies, interested parties can contest the decedent’s Will. Contesting a Will is the process of disputing a decedent’s Will by presenting evidence about why it is invalid according to the law. According to California law, there are several grounds for contesting the validity of a Will. Undue influence is one of the… Read More »
What Are Your Inheritance Rights as a Stepchild?
Blended families are common in the United States of America. According to research, 16% of children in the United States of America live in blended families. This is a family where there is a stepparent, stepsibling, or half-sibling. However, a crucial thing that many people do not know is that many probate laws don’t… Read More »
