Probate in California can feel overwhelming at first, but it's really just a court-supervised process for settling someone’s estate. If you’re facing it, you probably wonder what actually happens and how long it takes. Start by filing a petition The probate process...
Probate Litigation
An executor’s guide to will contests in California
Being an executor of your loved one’s will can be challenging. You have to manage the estate and settle any outstanding debts. You may even have to navigate and manage disputes among the beneficiaries. If disagreements escalate, it may even lead to someone contesting...
How do I deal with missing or lost heirs in a probate?
When a loved one dies, dealing with probate can be challenging. But what if you cannot find all the heirs? This makes things even harder. In California, there are laws and steps to handle this. Let us see how to deal with missing heirs during probate and why it is...
What happens if an executor does not fulfill their duties?
When someone passes away and leaves a will, the executor plays a crucial role in ensuring they grant the deceased's wishes. The executor manages the estate, which includes paying debts and distributing assets to beneficiaries. But what happens when an executor fails...
5 common challenges executors face and how to overcome them
Serving as an executor of an estate is a significant responsibility. Executors must navigate a range of legal and financial tasks, often while dealing with their grief. Here are five challenges executors face and how to manage them. 1. Dealing with family disputes...
What elements can lead to undue influence suspicions?
In specific situations, some people can become targets of financial abuse because of their age or impairments. The risks can be more apparent for elders who rely on others daily. These individuals can be vulnerable to distinct types of manipulation, such as undue...
Contesting wills: 3 common reasons and how to avoid them
As an executor of a will, you want to honor the deceased person's wishes and ensure a smooth estate distribution. However, family members sometimes contest the will, leading to costly and time-consuming legal battles. But why does this happen? And more importantly,...
What to expect in a probate litigation in California
Losing a loved one is a painful and emotional experience, leaving families feeling vulnerable. The last thing anyone wants to think about in this tough time is quarreling with family members over the deceased person's estate. Yet, disputes still arise, making the time...
Administering a will: How much does probate cost in California?
If you’ve worked hard your entire life and accumulated wealth, you most likely want to leave as much of it as possible to the people you love. It’s for this reason that people create wills and trusts. Done right, a solid estate plan can eliminate the guesswork and...
Serving as the executor of your parent’s will
If your mother or father dies with assets left in their name, those assets will likely need to be probated. In the event that you're named as a parent's estate executor, you'll play a key role during the probate process. Your duties will typically include securing...