Blogs

siblings not speaking to each other

What to do if the executor won’t speak to the beneficiaries

Begin with an assessment as to whether the Executor, Administrator or Trustee isn’t fulfilling their duties as required by the Will or Trust or as required by Law.

 

Last Will and Testament document

How Long Do You Have to Contest a Will in California?

Family members should be aware of this relatively short timeframe and seek to take action as soon as possible if they have concerns about the Will.

 

person surrounded by legal documents frustrated by probate process

Why Do People Hate Probate?

Probate, with its association with death, taxes, and emotions, understandably earns a reputation that elicits negative sentiments, leading to the question…LEARN MORE

 

angel animal on a cloud in sky

Debt After Death Without a Will

When it comes to the inevitable end of life, the financial implications can be a source of concern. Many individuals wonder what happens to debt…LEARN MORE

 

female forensic document examiner

How to Prove Forgery in Court

In the context of the probate court proceeding relating to a Will or a Trust, forgery may arise concerning the alleged fraudulent creation or alteration…LEARN MORE

 

probate attorney filling out legal documents

What Does a Probate Attorney Do?

An attorney can help untangle complexities, preventing potential disputes among family members and ensuring a smooth asset distribution…LEARN MORE

 

person reviewing reasons to contest a Will on a clipboard

Reasons you can contest a Will in California

An “interested person” or persons, regardless of whether or not they are residents, may have specific grounds on which they can contest a will after someone’s death…LEARN MORE

 

Probate Attorney

Reasons to Call an Attorney After a Loved One’s Death

Consulting an attorney ensures that you are well-informed about the next steps and the legal implications of your loved one’s passing.LEARN MORE

 

undue influence

Undue Influence in Wills and Trusts

A classic example of this is when a caretaker influences an elderly person in the preparation of a new Will.LEARN MORE

 

Lisa Marie Presleys Estate Contest

Lisa Marie Presley’s Estate Contest

In the wake of her death the validity of the trust has been called into question, leading to a court challenge by her mother, Priscilla Presley.LEARN MORE

 

probate process

The Disadvantages of Probate

Though issues related to time and finances may cast a significant shadow, there may be methods for streamlining this process.LEARN MORE

 

Property legal definitions

Real Property Vs. Personal Property Differences

Distinguishing between real property vs. personal property is crucial in various legal contexts, including estate planning and probate.LEARN MORE

 

trust litigation

What is Trust Litigation?

A legal avenue in California to address these disputes and contests related to trusts, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are upheld.LEARN MORE

 

What Happens if You Don’t File for Probate?

The court can freeze the decedent’s assets, making them inaccessible to heirs and other beneficiaries until debts are paid. And there is a possibility you could be held liable for damages owed. LEARN MORE

 

Conservatorships

Conservatorships for Parkinson’s Patients

Critical aspects of selecting a conservator and why expert legal guidance is essential in ensuring the well-being of Parkinson’s patients. LEARN MORE

 

Family members

Expect the Unexpected in a Trust Dispute

Let’s take a closer look at the process of navigating a trust dispute and how to ensure you emerge without harming family ties. LEARN MORE

 

house in probate

Can You Live in the House During Probate?

In this article, we delve into this topic and shed light on what you can expect. LEARN MORE

 

Public probate records

Are Probate Records Public: Understanding the Process & Scope?

What are public record about you, after you die, and how and why it is accessed. LEARN MORE

 

Cryptocurrency and Probate

Cryptocurrency and Probate

The unique nature of cryptocurrency holdings, combined with the intricacies of probate court, makes the process of asset retrieval complex and time-consuming. LEARN MORE

 

Estranged Family Member

Can Estranged Family Members Contest a Will?

Losing a loved one is already difficult, but when a family member you haven’t seen in years suddenly shows up, things can get complex. LEARN MORE

 

House in probate

What Happens to a House in Probate: Understanding the Process

Let’s explore the potential options and common scenarios involving a house in probate. LEARN MORE

 

Judge ruling

Estate Contest Defense Options

The exact methods that an executor of a Will can use to defend against a contested Will, largely depend on the facts of an individual claim. LEARN MORE

 

family disputes

How to Avoid Family Arguments During Probate

As siblings and other family members come together to settle the affairs of a loved one, tensions can run high, leading to conflicts and arguments. LEARN MORE

 

Blended Family and California Probate

Probate with a Blended Family

When a family member dies without a valid will or estate plan in place in California, then the courts decide. How does this impact stepchildren, ex-spouses and non-biological relationships… LEARN MORE

 

weird things you see in probate court

The Weird Things You Find in Probate Court

Some people bequeath creative and unique items such as, a Ouija board, exotic pets, or even strange burial requests… LEARN MORE

 

How you can avoid a trust dispute

How to Avoid a Trust Dispute

You have created your trust and clearly expressed your intent in order to avoid any disputes amongst your family. What could go wrong? LEARN MORE

 

Reasons to Contest a Will

Reasons to Contest a Will

Whether you call it voiding a will, disputing a will, challenging a will, or contesting a will, in California the law is clear on the reasons to contest a will. LEARN MORE

 

Should Your Probate Lawyer be Local?

Should Your Probate Lawyer be Local?

Filing fees and publication fees in various jurisdictions vary from county to county and are not dependent on either how near or far you live from your Probate lawyers’ office. LEARN MORE

 

Trusts vs. Wills: The Basics

Trusts vs. Wills: The Basics

Each document has its own function and responsibilities and zones of activity. You can choose to have either one or both. Most people who create a Trust will also create a Will that will pour-over… LEARN MORE

 

How attorney fees in California probate work

How Attorney Fees in California Probate Work

Although a frightening prospect, breaking down fees for Probate in California is less complicated than one would initially think. It can be a daunting process at first when realizing there’s over 21,000 probate codes in the state of California alone… LEARN MORE

 

Mother with son

Intestate Succession Attorney in California

The Laws of Intestate Succession and Probate Codes in California are very complicated. In order to successfully navigate them, you should make sure you have experienced advice, counsel, and representation. Then you can protect your loved ones in the event . . . LEARN MORE

 

daughter kissing mother

California Conservatorship Attorney for Your Family

In a Conservatorship proceeding, a Probate Court decides whether to allow an individual or organization to be appointed “Conservator” to protect and manage the personal care or finances, or both, of a person referred to as “Conservatee”, who is not physically or mentally able . . . LEARN MORE