When California residents pass away, their family is often left to deal with their personal financial affairs that will still remain after the fact. This is especially true for people who die unexpectedly. Those who die intestate, or without a will, often risk having...
Understanding the process for a probate sale keeps you informed
Selling a house under California probate is much different than selling a house in a private sale. Understanding the process can make it easier to navigate. There are specific parameters that must be followed in some cases, which are based on California Probate Code...
Statutory duties of personal representative in California
When someone dies, their estate must be administered according to California law. This process is generally complex and the personal representative (executor or administrator) has many legal obligations. Here are some of them.
Ancillary probate: what does it mean?
Ancillary probate is a probate process that is necessary when a deceased real estate or personal property owner has property in other states. The regulations of the state(s) where the property is located will typically determine what will happen with the property when...
What does an executor do?
An executor (or administrator when there is no will) can be thought of as the "CEO of the Probate." It is a crucial legal and personal responsibility. The role of an executor An executor serves as the personal representative of the estate and sees to it that the will...
Create an executor checklist to avoid estate problems
An executor must know of the duties that are assigned to his or her care. In California, any person who acts irresponsibly in this role could face a probate lawsuit from a beneficiary or creditor. Making a checklist helps an executor to avoid unnecessary probate...
What could delay the probate process in California?
Both the executor (or administrator) of an estate and its beneficiaries generally want to finish probate as quickly as possible. However, there are certain situations that delay the process. It could take over a year to sort through everything, depending on what's...
How does probate work?
The survivors or any interested property (such as a creditor) may open an estate to deal with various administrative issues when someone passes away. Such actions may occur whether the deceased had a will or died without one. Either way, matters related to settling...
Why a corporate executor might be right for your estate
If you are writing a will, you may be thinking about who to appoint as executor for your California estate. This is often a spouse or an adult child, but if there is not anyone suitable, you could consider a corporate executor. The job of the executor Appointing the...
Probate and real estate
Probate in California is one of the legal processes that can allow people to purchase real estate. It is the means by which the court system auctions off real estate that was left behind by people who pass away without a will. Probate is also a way for executors or...