It is common to hear quite negative, and even scary, things about probate. So, when you begin the process of estate planning, you may wonder: is there a way to make things easier on that front for your family? There are steps you can take. These are three actions you...
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Los Angeles Probate & Estate Administration Law Blog
Grief v. stress: Managing both in probate
According to the Holmes-Rahe Life Change Index Scale, the death of a spouse and that of a close family member fall into the top five most stressful events a person could experience. Though, you may not even notice the stress at first, as the grief may be overwhelming....
FAQs: Will probate cost me money?
The concept of probate alone can be stressful to think about. Since it is a process that only occurs after the loss of a loved one, many people are not aware of the details. So, many people hear the myths about probate and worry about what that could mean for their...
Do you really have to address all your assets in your trust or will?
Over the years, you fill your home with memories, things you love and value. You may have shelves of books, cabinets with heirlooms and souvenirs on display and many more knick-knacks. When it comes to creating your will, you may wonder: will it be necessary to...
3 questions surviving spouses should have the answers to
Losing a spouse, a life partner, is unimaginable. You are left facing grief and stress. Not to mention, endless questions. After all, there are legal matters to address on top of the emotional turmoil. Here are three critical questions to address in this situation....
What if the will is lost?
Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with legal matters during this time can add to the stress. If you are the personal representative or executor of the estate, it may be your responsibility to start the probate process. But what happens if the original will...
How do you get your parents to start planning?
Life gets busy. The to-do list may seem never-ending, and the matter of planning for the future can fall lower on the list each day. However, this is a trend that seems to be widespread. This past March, Forbes reported that there has been a significant decrease in...
How can you emotionally prepare for probate?
The probate of a loved one’s estate brings with it a long list of things to do, documents to file and assets to locate. All of this is on top of the reality of losing someone you love. There is no question that this can be an overwhelming time for California families....
What happens to royalties in probate?
In the Los Angeles area, the topic of intellectual property (IP) and any royalties from such property is always relevant. However, what happens to those rights and royalties when the person who owned them passes away? Some of the steps are similar to other assets Much...
How do you take responsibility for an elderly parent?
Your parents helped you take your first steps, and they held your hand when you faced stressful times. As your parents age, the roles start to reverse, and you become the one helping them with daily tasks and being there for them. This role reversal can be...