A loved one’s passing can leave you with a mess of emotions. It may also leave you with a lot of uncertainty, especially if you are managing your loved one’s California estate as a personal representative. One issue that can lead to a lot of questions is the matter of...
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Probate
You find out you’re the executor. What now?
Your loved one named you as the executor of their will. This is an important role, but if your loved one never informed you of this it can come as quite a shock. If you find yourself in this position, here are a few things to consider. Evaluate the executor’s duties...
What to know to sell real estate in probate
Managing your late loved one’s estate can leave a lot on your plate. If their estate has to go through probate, in addition to navigating all of the strict requirements and technicalities of the probate process, in many cases, your loved one’s home will need to be...
With divorced parents, what happens in probate?
In previous blog posts, we have discussed the complexities that can arise in probate matters for blended families. Being a child of divorced parents, you may already know just how complex matters in your life can become in these cases. When one parent passes away, you...
If a loved one dies outside of California, can I start the probate process in California?
In recent years, we have seen Californians moving all across the country for a variety of reasons, deciding to live in a new state. Now a friend, one of your siblings, your parents, or other loved one has moved outside of California, with their California estate...
Why might you need a probate attorney?
After losing a loved one, you and your family do not have to go through probate alone. While many people might be hesitant at first, hiring a probate attorney can make a significant difference in navigating the probate process – and preserving the assets of your loved...
What should stepchildren prepare for in probate?
Regardless of your age, you may experience a mix of emotions if your parent remarries. You become a part of a blended family and begin some sort of relationship with a stepparent and perhaps even stepsiblings. Even if these relationships are at times positive, the...
What happens to debt after someone dies?
Anyone going through the probate process for a loved one has likely come up against this question. How do you manage debt that belonged to someone who has died? Although the exact answer will depend on the details of the situation, the following provides a general...
Three tips to help an aging parent get a power of attorney
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows the creator (known as the Principal) to give another trusted individual (known as the “Agent” or “Attorney-in-fact) the power to make decisions about their finances. This is a powerful legal tool that is an...
4 tips to handle sibling dynamics in probate
If you and your siblings do not get along, a parent’s passing can be not only sorrowful but stressful. Even the mere thought of facing probate and administering your parent’s estate can be overwhelming. It is important to carefully evaluate your situation, and prepare...