Usually, almost every estate must go through probate after the person who owns the estate passes away. And every person's will must go through probate as well, to ensure it is valid. However, there are a few exceptions that could keep California families out of the...
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Estate Administration
Intestate succession Pt. 1: What is intestate?
When the famous artist Prince passed away in 2016, people everywhere mourned the loss of a great talent and celebrated his achievements and monumental music. Then, word quickly got out that he never made a will. Passing away without a will can cause a significant...
Help! Squatters are living in my late parents’ home
One of the challenges for estate administrators here in California is dealing with people illegally occupying the decedent's property. Sometimes, the individuals may be strangers -- squatters -- who assumed illegal possession of the property after the homeowner died....
The challenges of selling a parent’s home after they’re gone
Did your elderly parent insist on remaining in their home until their death, surrounded by the furniture, trinkets and other items they could never bring themselves to clear out? If so, you may be facing the daunting task of cleaning out that home and selling it. If...
Long-term care, estate administration and your elderly parents
It's never easy to watch your parents get old, but it's something you're likely to face in the future. Since you want to do your best to help, it's important to work closely with your parents to ensure that they have the right long-term care strategy in place. Not...
Giving up your inheritance: Assignments vs disclaimers
You've inherited part of a family member's estate. Maybe they designated you as a beneficiary in their will. Perhaps they died without a will ("intestate") and you are due a portion of the estate under California's probate laws. What if you don't want or need the...
Important estate planning precautions to protect your assets
By having a thorough, professionally-developed estate plan, you can ensure that your affairs will be looked after responsibly if you become physically and/or mentally incapacitated and unable to do so. You also can plan for your assets to be disbursed as you've...
The importance of receipts in estate administration
Serving as the executor of someone's estate is a difficult job. Many people find that they have to take a leave from work in order to handle everything involved. Depending on the size of the estate and the level of preparation undergone by the testator, you could have...
5 things to know if you are an estate executor
It is common for an individual to choose a relative or close and trusted friend to serve as executor of the estate when the time comes. For example, your parents or another loved one may have asked you to be the executor of their estate when they pass. While you...
What you should consider before contesting an estate plan
Sometimes, people make decisions when drafting their estate plan that they don't discuss with their family. They may want to avoid the conflict inherent in telling a child that their sibling is getting more money than them or that they're leaving the bulk of their...