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...
Probate Litigation
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...
Reasons why your executor needs a probate bond
If you’re creating your estate plan in California, now’s the time to include an executor probate bond. Executors play a significant role in overseeing your estate, and you want to take steps to avoid mistakes and confusion. Executor probate bonds add an extra layer of...
Can you use alternative dispute resolution for probate issues?
In California, probate disputes can often become very emotional and involve many complexities. As an alternative to going to court, parties to a probate dispute can use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods to reach an amicable and efficient outcome. The...