Probate of Estate

Probating a California estate can be challenging for estate administrators or executors who are unfamiliar with the process. The degree of difficulty in completing probate typically depends on the size and nature of the assets to be administered, the number of parties involved in the process, and whether there are disputed issues among the parties….

If you feel you that you have been, or may be wrongfully disinherited from a will in California, you should act quickly to make sure your property interests are protected. You must timely file papers with the probate court to contest the validity of the will or else run the risk of losing your right…

Purpose Of An Inventory And Appraisal An inventory and appraisal is a required filing in a California probate proceeding. The inventory and appraisal is a single document that (1) inventories the property in the decedent’s estate and (2) contains an appraisal of the property in the inventory. California Probate Code section 8800(a). Contents Of An…

A will is a document that directs what happens to your property when you die. The validity of a will is determined when it is executed, according to the laws of the state where you reside at the time it was made. In general, a will must be written, signed by the testator, and witnessed…

Intestate succession laws come into play when you die without a will. In that scenario, your assets will go to your closest relatives under California intestate succession laws. Here are the basics about how intestate succession works in California. Which Assets Are Not Affected By Intestate Succession Rules? Only assets that would have passed through…

What happens when an individual passes away and no one is able to find the original last will & testament? Can a copy be submitted to the court in its place? If not, how does the court determine who is entitled to the estate property and the appropriate division of the property among the rightful…

Before a court can probate a will, it must determine that the will is valid and authentic. Although each state has its own rules, the courts typically require proof the will was actually created and signed by the person executing the will (called the “testator),” and that it otherwise complies with state law. In almost…

SUMMARY OF FLORIDA PROBATE PROCEDURES When someone passes away as the sole owner of assets in Florida, a probate proceeding is typically required to resolve issues involving the division of those assets among the decedent’s heirs, beneficiaries and creditors.Estate state administration serves the purpose of ensuring the decedent’s assets are properly located, gathered, and then…