Category Archives: Probate
What Happens if Probate Assets Are Discovered After the Case Closes?
Handling an estate requires careful attention to detail, especially when identifying and valuing assets. The estate executor or administrator must inventory everything the deceased owned. However, even with diligence, some assets can slip through the cracks. Old bank accounts, forgotten investments, or property that wasn’t clearly titled could surface after probate is already closed…. Read More »
How a $750,000 Home Can Avoid Full Probate in California in 2026
Losing a loved one is always a tough experience. In addition to the sorrow, many families in California also deal with the pressure of probate. This legal process, which involves validating a will, identifying and valuing assets, paying debts, and distributing property to heirs, can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to honor a… Read More »
Some Surprising Facts About Probate in California
When a loved one passes away, families are often focused on grieving and not on dealing with legal matters. Probate, for example, can be a complex area of law. Although probate is designed to ensure the fair handling of estates, the truth is that the process can come with some unexpected surprises. Many people… Read More »
Understanding California’s Slayer Statute
When someone passes away, their estate plan is meant to fulfill their final wishes. But what happens if a beneficiary is responsible for the individual’s death? California law addresses this area of California probate law that is often overlooked through what is usually referred to as the “Slayer Statute.” For families dealing with probate… Read More »
How To Prove a Decedent Had Testamentary Capacity in California?
When someone we love passes away, their will determines how their assets will be distributed. However, will contests can arise due to several reasons. In California, one of the valid grounds for contesting a will is “lack of testamentary capacity.” Under this ground, the person contesting the will claims that the deceased, also called… Read More »
Proving a Decedent Was Not Under Undue Influence When They Made the Will
In California, one of the most common reasons for filing a will contest is undue influence, which happens when someone uses excessive persuasion, coercion, or pressure to manipulate a testator into creating a will that does not reflect their true wishes. However, while some claims of undue influence are valid, some are not. If… Read More »
What Is the First Thing an Executor Should Do After a Death in California?
When someone passes away in California, the executor, also known as a personal representative, suddenly takes on a long list of legal and financial responsibilities. It can be pretty overwhelming, especially while you are also coping with grief. The good news is that you don’t have to tackle everything all at once. However, there… Read More »
Common Signs That a Will May Be Invalid in California
When someone you love passes away, their will should ideally reflect their true wishes and intentions. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, family members notice things that seem off, such as sudden changes or new beneficiaries who came out of nowhere. In California, interested parties can contest a will if there are… Read More »
Steps To Take if You Were Wrongfully Left Out of a Will
Losing a loved one is a painful experience, and it can be traumatic too. Discovering that you were unexpectedly and wrongfully left out of their will can make the situation even harder. Many people usually assume Will disputes only happen in wealthy or celebrity families, but disagreements over inheritances occur in all kinds of… Read More »
Can a Will Be Changed After Probate Starts in California?
If you’ve recently lost a loved one and are involved in the probate process, you might be wondering whether a will can still be changed even after the probate process has started. For example, maybe you have noticed an error or an omission in the will and are wondering if this can be fixed…. Read More »