Los Angeles Probate & Estate Administration Law Blog
How do probate courts determine a will is authentic?
In a recent blog post, we discussed the purpose of the probate process. One of the primary purposes is to ensure the will is valid before moving forward with paying your loved one’s debts and administering their estate. This is a usual part of the process, but many...
Heir v. beneficiary: What’s the difference?
In the estate planning process as well as probate, it is common to hear the terms “heir” and “beneficiary” thrown around and even used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between these terms, and it is critical to recognize that difference. What do these...
Three tips to mitigate family disputes during probate
The probate process can be very stressful. After losing a loved one, it is difficult to go through and distribute their property. The process is not easy, and the emotional stress is also the reason that there is a high risk of disputes in probate. During probate,...
What happens to the remaining assets in probate?
Navigating the probate process can be complex for your whole family. Thankfully, your loved one’s estate plan can help make probate easier since it provides directions of your loved one’s wishes and gifts their assets to surviving family members. However, you come to...
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...
