Determining whether a California estate must go through probate is helpful for anyone involved in estate planning or managing the affairs of a deceased loved one. Several factors influence whether probate is necessary. Understanding these determinants helps people...
Probate & Trust Administration
What happens during probate?
When a loved one passes away, their estate often goes through a legal process known as probate. Probate is a court-supervised procedure that ensures that people distribute the dead person's assets according to their will or the state's laws if there is no will. This...
What could happen if a trustee dies?
Establishing a trust can help ensure the realization of your estate wishes without having to worry about probate or a will contest. However, your success depends on having a trustee who is reliable and loyal to you. Sometimes a trustee dies before the purpose of the...
Understanding the “step up in basis” rule on inherited property
Here in Southern California, the price of real estate has skyrocketed over the years. If your parents spent $50,000 on a home back in the 1970s, they may have seen the value grow ten- or twentyfold. That’s especially true if it’s in an area that’s been gentrified or...
How is the cost of probate determined in California?
Thinking about what will happen to your hard-earned assets and other intimate belongings like family heirlooms can be very unsettling. However, death is inevitable. If you have a valid will at the time of your demise, all assets in your will shall go through probate....