Category Archives: Probate
How Long Does a California Probate Take in 2024?
Probate is a legal process that occurs after someone passes away. This process involves the validation of the decedent’s Will (if they left behind a Will), the identification of estate assets, the valuation of those assets, debt payment, and the distribution of assets to beneficiaries or heirs. If you recently lost a loved one… Read More »
Mistakes To Avoid When Serving as an Executor (For 2024)
When people draft wills, they usually name someone in the will as their executor. An executor is the party responsible for carrying out the probate process on behalf of a deceased individual. Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away that involves, among other things, the validation of the will… Read More »
Reopening Probate in California
Probate is the process of settling a deceased person’s estate. It entails, among other things, identifying and locating the decedent’s assets, appraising the assets, paying creditor debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. Probate can be a lengthy and complex process. Once this process is closed, it is generally considered finalized. However, in… Read More »
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Probate Lawyer Near Me?
In California, after a person passes away, their Will or estate needs to go through the probate process. In simple terms, probate is the process of administering a deceased person’s Will (if there is one) or estate if there is no Will. The probate process can be a complex and emotional one for a… Read More »
Can You Use Alternative Dispute Resolution for Probate Issues?
During the probate process, disputes can arise due to several reasons. Often, probate disputes arise from disagreements among beneficiaries or other interested parties. Examples of common probate disputes include Will contests, guardianship disputes, family disputes, and creditor claim disputes. When probate disputes arise, people often assume they must go to court. However, going to… Read More »
Burden of Proof in Will Contests
After a person dies and leaves behind a Will, the Will must go through the probate process. The probate process entails validating a decedent’s Will and then distributing the estate assets to beneficiaries. If an interested party feels that the Will does not accurately depict the decedent’s wishes, they can initiate a Will contest…. Read More »
Tips for Dealing With a Manipulative Estate Executor
An executor is the person named in a Will to carry out the decedent’s last wishes. The executor is tasked with the job of administering the decedent’s estate. Administering an estate entails several steps and responsibilities. An executor carries out several duties, including initiating the probate process, identifying and inventorying assets, sending notifications to… Read More »
Can Lottery Winnings Be Inherited?
For many people, winning the lottery is a life-changing event. Winning the lottery can offer financial stability, allowing winners to pay off debt, invest, and even buy a home. Winning the lottery can give someone the opportunity to achieve their life goals. But what happens when a lottery winner dies? Can these winnings be… Read More »
Is Unpaid Child Support Payable From the Deceased Parent’s Probate Estate in California?
As is in other states, California courts award child support to help custodian parents with childcare-related costs and expenses. Usually, parents are required to pay child support until a child turns 18. However, in some cases, child support payments continue until a child reaches the age of 19. For instance, if a child turns… Read More »
What Is the Difference Between an Executor and an Administrator?
When someone dies, their assets become part of their “estate.” After death, someone has to be appointed to manage the decedent’s (the legal term for a deceased person) estate. The person in charge of administering a decedent’s estate is either an executor or administrator. The roles and responsibilities of an executor are the same… Read More »
