Estate Administration & Probate

Settling debts is an important part of estate administration. Creditors ranging from tax authorities to mortgage lenders, hospitals and credit card companies, can make claims against an estate. The personal representative must then use the estate’s resources to repay...

A personal representative plays a central role in handling a loved one's estate. This person manages assets, pays debts and distributes property to the rightful heirs. When that job goes wrong, the people who depend on a fair process can suffer. California law gives...

There are cases where estate planning beneficiaries and life insurance beneficiaries do not line up. This can get complicated during the probate process. It may not be entirely clear what the deceased individual actually wanted to happen. For instance, say that...

Probate proceedings are common when people die in California. Even if the decedent created a thorough estate plan, their assets may need to pass through probate court, and any disputes about the legitimacy of their documents or the conduct of their personal...

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. In many ways, it makes a lot of sense to have your estate pass through probate, as the involvement of the court can act as an important check to help make sure things are done properly and avoid...

Jurisdiction is a critical factor during probate proceedings. The laws governing estates are different in every jurisdiction. Which statutes apply depends on where a person lived prior to their passing. The personal representative or executor administering an estate...

Parents in Tustin often see their children move away for college or jobs. They eventually settle in other states to build their own lives. This distance creates anxiety when you plan your estate. If your most trusted adult child lives in Texas or New York, you might...

You may be concerned about passing debt to your adult children when you pass away. You know that they are going to inherit your assets, such as your bank account, your house, your car, family heirlooms and much more. But you may also have significant debt such as...

Numerous parties may have an interest in an estate after an individual dies. Their immediate family members may be heirs who inherit if there are no estate planning documents. Selected beneficiaries may also inherit from estates when decedents had the foresight to...

Establishing a will is an important estate planning step for most adults in California. A will allows an individual to provide for their dependents, choose their personal representative and create a legacy that reflects their personal values.  Not all wills are valid...