Executors and personal representatives have many responsibilities and a long list of things to do. You must begin the probate process not long after the passing of a loved one. However, before you officially initiate the process, it will help immensely to prepare...
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Probate
How to handle creditors in probate
What could make the probate of a loved one’s estate even more stressful? Managing the debt that a loved one left behind. Debt by it's nature is stressful and managing debt that is not your own can be overwhelming and challenging. Here are some key tips to help you...
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....
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 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...
Could beneficiary designations be up for debate?
There are many assets that can pass from one person directly to another after they pass away – by making use of beneficiary designations. The owner of an account can list a beneficiary, who obtains ownership of the account without it having to pass through probate....
What if you face family conflict in probate?
As we have discussed in previous blog posts, the stress and pain of losing a loved one can place a significant amount of strain on a family. As emotions run high, it increases the risk of disagreements between family members – particularly when it comes to the...
Is probate complicated?
There is no doubt that the aftermath of losing a loved one is overwhelming. You and your family may struggle with complex emotions – but will you have to navigate a complex legal process as well? In many cases, probate may be necessary in California to validate a...