Do I Need a Probate?
After the death of a loved one, there are a lot of mysteries about how to proceed and what to do with his or her assets, property, and debts. One main question is whether you need a probate.
The simplest answer is, if the deceased owned real property in his or her own […]
Whether your estate is extensive or modest, it is worth the preparation of an estate plan. Here are five main reasons to have an estate plan prepared:
1. Your Kids
Whether your kids are young or grown, an estate plan will protect their interests. If something were to happen to you or your spouse without a plan […]
Family was once a simply defined concept, but the modern concept of family is anything but simple. Planning an estate especially for your specific family structure, dynamic, and needs is important.
The traditional idea of what a family looks like is fading in America today. More divorces, more remarriages, more step and half siblings, and blurred […]
What happens to the mortgage, the medical bills, the credit card bills, the taxes and other debts after someone dies? Is the family responsible for paying the debts? The estate? Do they disappear?
After someone passes away, debts appear to pile up. The family is often left wondering what to do and if the debts need […]
If you live in California, there are three types of wills, and one estate planning tool with benefits beyond a will:
1. A Statutory Will
This is a very simple form-style will. California provides a fill-in-the-blank type of will that can be useful for some people with very limited and simple estates. As simple as this seems, […]
How Is an Estate Distributed in a Probate?
A probate is a formal, and legal, administration of an estate. In California, it is the court-supervised process for transferring and distributing the property in an estate to the beneficiaries and heirs.
Testate is when someone dies with a will. This will typically nominates an executor, and directs the […]
8 Forget-Me-Nots and Don’ts of Estate Planning
Planning your estate is essential, but when you do it yourself or sometimes when you have an attorney do it for you, things can get left out or go wrong. Here is a brief list of what to look out for when you plan your estate:
1. Don’t use non-expert […]
Is My Estate Worth Planning?
“If I only have a modest home and small accounts, do I really need to plan my estate?” “I don’t own a significant amount or any extravagant properties, my estate is quite simple.” “I only have one child, so they will just get everything.” These are all common beliefs when considering […]
How to Sell the House After the Death of a Loved-One
The thought of selling a loved one’s real property after their death can be daunting. The title needs to be cleared, because a deceased property owner cannot sign the documents to sell their house. The home may be full of their personal property, or may […]
