Los Angeles Probate & Estate Administration Law Blog
Is probate really necessary?
Probate often has a bad reputation. There are a lot of myths that perpetuate that reputation as well. You may have heard people say it is expensive, time-consuming and stressful. On top of that, there are many sources out there advising people to avoid probate. This...
What happens to your parent’s debt after they pass?
Nowadays, debt is a reality for individuals at almost any age. They go from paying expensive student loans to mortgages, all the while paying bills on various credit cards. This leaves the average American with roughly $38,000 in debt. Debt may be a normal part of...
SNT trustees must protect eligibility for benefits
In past blog posts, we discussed the important duties individuals have when chosen to be a trustee. Trustees of a special needs trust (SNT) share these same responsibilities, but they also have additional duties to meet the needs of the beneficiary of an SNT. For...
What happens to your retirement in probate?
It is true for almost everyone that their retirement is one of the largest assets they own. Throughout your entire career, you contribute a portion of your income to your retirement. Nowadays, many people worry they might not have enough saved to last their...
How do you divide your spouse’s property in intestate succession?
Losing a spouse is a heart-breaking, traumatic experience. When you depend on your life partner for years, it is a great shock to face the idea of a future without them. On top of that grief, you also have to deal with the confusing and often overwhelming probate...
How could dementia affect estate planning?
Dementia is a heartbreaking disease for individuals and their families to grapple with. It can make the future suddenly seem uncertain. The future might seem even more overwhelming if your parent does not have an estate plan set up. In the United States, roughly five...
Can Executors turn down the job?
It can be an honor if a loved one named you as the executor of their will, also referred to as a personal representative. It means they trust you to handle their most important affairs and carry out their wishes. However, acting as an executor is often a tough and...
What happens if a loved one leaves behind multiple wills?
In 2018, people across the country grieved the loss of the late, great Aretha Franklin. Franklin’s name returned to the headlines in 2019, however, when three handwritten wills were found in her home and filed in a Michigan probate court. The discovery of these three...
Selling a loved one’s house in probate: It is a complex process
For most people, their home is the most expensive asset in their name. Therefore, it is also one of the most expensive assets that you and your family must deal with during probate. If your loved ones do not leave explicit instructions or designate their house to a...
Chosen to be a guardian? Here’s what you should consider.
Parents who welcome children into the world usually have quite a bit on their hands. They need to adjust their life to accommodate their new child, which includes taking a look at their future. Many new parents would rather not think about what could happen if they...
