Beneficiaries have rights to information about how a trust is being managed. California law requires a trustee to share requested information when a beneficiary asks and the information relates to their interest in the trust. What information can a beneficiary...
San Diego Probate & Estate Administration Law Blog
What to do if you suspect a will signature was forged
If you suspect that someone forged a signature on a loved one's will, you may be able to challenge the document in California probate court. A suspicious signature does not automatically invalidate a will, but evidence about the signature and the circumstances...
Will an online DIY will hold up in CA courts?
Creating a will online can seem like an easy way to put your wishes in writing. With a few clicks, you may be able to name beneficiaries, choose an executor and print a document without meeting with a lawyer. But having a document that looks like a will does not...
How long do creditors have to file claims in California probate?
When a loved one passes away, settling their estate often means addressing outstanding debts. Executors and administrators must notify creditors and give them a chance to file claims. Missing these time limits can complicate the probate process and delay distributions...
Can an heir live in the house during California probate?
When a parent passes away, the family home holds decades of memories and in San Diego, significant value. If you grew up in that house or moved in to help a loved one, you may want to stay while the estate is settled. Whether you can depends on how California treats...
5 assets listed on a California probate inventory
When a loved one passes away, the people left behind often face probate. For many families, a key step in this process is the probate inventory. California law requires the estate executor to file a formal inventory and appraisal of all estate assets. This document...
What happens if the chosen executor cannot serve?
Choosing an executor is an essential part of estate planning. An executor is responsible for carrying out the instructions in a will, managing the estate and helping the probate process move forward. But unexpected things can happen and the person chosen as executor...
What should a California trust accounting show beneficiaries?
When someone else handles a loved one's trust, it can be difficult to know whether everything is proceeding as intended. You may receive updates, but still feel unsure about whether the trustee is managing things properly. A trust accounting can help you understand...
How should trustees communicate with beneficiaries?
Serving as a trustee can feel stressful when beneficiaries want answers or distributions before the work is done. In California, communication is not just helpful. You have a duty to keep beneficiaries reasonably informed about the trust and how you are handling it....
Can mediation help resolve a California probate dispute?
A probate dispute can feel especially painful because it often starts while your family is still grieving. When every talk turns tense, mediation can offer a private place to discuss the conflict before the case moves further in court. In San Diego, a neutral mediator...