Category Archives: Probate

Probate Expenses Can Vary Significantly One of the most common questions families ask after a loved one dies is how much probate will cost. The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the estate, the assets involved, whether … Continue reading →

What Is a Heggstad Petition? A Heggstad petition is a California court procedure that may allow property to be confirmed as trust property even if it was never formally transferred into the trust during life. This issue commonly arises when … Continue reading →

Dying Without a Will When a person dies without a valid will, California law determines who inherits the estate. This is known as intestate succession. Rather than following the decedent’s wishes, assets pass according to California’s statutory inheritance rules. Who … Continue reading →

Understanding Which Assets Pass Outside Probate Not every asset owned at death must pass through probate. Certain assets transfer automatically by operation of law, beneficiary designation, or trust ownership. Understanding which assets avoid probate is an important part of California … Continue reading →

California Probate Costs: What Families Should Expect Probate Can Be More Expensive Than Many Families Realize California probate expenses often include: Many families are surprised by how quickly costs add up. California Uses a Statutory Fee System California probate attorney … Continue reading →

California Probate Explained: What Families Need to Know What Is Probate? Probate is the court-supervised process for: In California, probate may be required when someone dies: Why Probate Often Concerns Families Probate can involve: In many California counties, probate cases … Continue reading →