Seeking legal guidance while grieving may seem overwhelming. Losing a loved one can cause depression and put you in a state of shock, especially if the death of the loved one is sudden. This makes a reliable support system vital. The grief might push you to isolate...
Probate
What are the qualities of an ideal estate representative?
Dividing a loved one's estate after they pass can be long and tedious. If a will indicates their wishes, the surviving family members would better know what to do next. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, the deceased has no will, and the family must let...
When does an estate go through probate?
While not every estate in California will go through the complicated probate process, there are instances where it is required. Even when a there is a will. Probate is expensive and it can be extremely time consuming, not to mention you will have less control over the...
What assets are exempt from probate in California?
It could be stressful for a family to go through the legal process of probate when they are still grieving the loss of their loved one. However, it is essential to go through the decedent’s assets and properties for proper distribution. Fortunately, some assets are...
When does an estate go to probate court?
Inheriting assets seems straightforward, but it can be more complicated than you think. When a person dies, assets with named beneficiaries and co-owners can go through a simplified process. However, some assets have no exact recipients, leaving decisions about estate...
Is my last will and testament adequate?
While it is true the last will and testament is a fine way to divide our assets among those we leave behind, it also tends to leave a lot of legal essentials out. If that happens, then often the beneficiaries need to undergo probate in court to validate the will....
How can you protect your will from disputes?
A will is the foundation of any estate plan. Done right, a will allows you to determine who will inherit your assets when you pass on. Without one, California intestate laws would step in and determine how your assets are to be distributed. And this might not sit well...
Why is sentimental value so difficult to calculate?
One of the main reasons for estate disputes is simply that items being left to different heirs have sentimental value. This is a type of value that doesn’t necessarily correlate to the financial value of the product itself. It causes people to give too much weight to...
3 myths about probate you need to know
As you age, you may look for ways to prepare for a time when you won’t be here. The goal for most people is to make things as easy as possible for their family after they pass. Unfortunately, there are so many misconceptions about probate that it can be difficult to...
3 tips to prevent fighting over an estate
Though the purpose of a will is to eliminate confusion and stress over the division of an estate, it is still possible that a fight may occur between family members of property and assets. The executor of a will has the right to divide the property according to the...