When individuals are already in a vulnerable emotional state after losing a loved one, the prospect of probate can be overwhelming. Just thinking about the process can make you and your family nervous. Considering the initial probate hearing can make you feel even...
Probate
What is a “probate transfer?”
After the loss of a loved one, many people only want time to work through their grief. That is why even thinking about the probate process is a point of stress for many California families. Experiencing this stress often leads people to wonder why the process is even...
Myth: Probate will use up all of your loved one’s estate
What is the first thing you think of when you hear the term “probate?” For many people, probate invokes a very negative response. This is often due to the many myths about probate. One of the most common myths that lead many people to have such negative views is that...
How do I know if I am named in a will?
No matter the circumstances, losing a friend or family member comes as quite a shock. When you reach out to their family, you share your grief, memories and worries about the future. And then they mention how they must begin the probate process to distribute your...
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...
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...
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...