Title Changes and Reassessment of Real Property

By Sandra McCarthy|June 30th, 2019|Estate Planning|

Did the County Assessor reassess your real property due to a title change? The consequences of title changes and reassessment of real property are often overlooked and greatly misunderstood. Title changes of real property often occur when there is a sale or purchase, or by gift or inheritance. The transfer may be voluntary, involuntary, contract of sale, or the addition or removal of an owner. Keep in mind, payment for the title change is not required though the reassessment of real property may still occur.

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How a Fill-in-the-Blank Will Can Go Wrong

By Sandra McCarthy|April 24th, 2020|Estate Planning|

If you're considering creating a will with a DIY fill-in-the-blank service such as LegalZoom or Nolo, be sure to read up on the consequences beforehand. Unfortunately, wills created with these services often result in incorrectly distributed estates. Luckily, registered legal document assistants like A People's Choice are here to help.

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How to Create a Living Trust

By Sandra McCarthy|July 24th, 2020|Estate Planning|

Thinking about creating a living trust? In this article, we outline the three easy steps to setting up a living trust with A People's Choice. Plus, find out if a living trust is right for you!

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Comparing Transfer on Death Deeds vs. Living Trusts for Estate Planning – Which is Right for You?

By Sandra McCarthy|August 13th, 2020|Estate Planning|

Are you considering whether a transfer on death deed or a living trust is right for your estate planning needs? In this article, we outline the benefits of both of these estate planning tools so you can determine which is best for you. However, if you have more questions, always feel free to reach out to A People's Choice to learn more.

“Gilligan’s Island” Star Dawn Wells Dies of COVID-19: Did She Have an Estate Plan?

By Sandra McCarthy|February 19th, 2021|Estate Planning, Probate|

Actress Dawn Wells of Gilligan’s Island fame tragically passed away on December 30, 2020, of causes related to COVID-19. She was 82 years old. Wells is most famously known for playing Mary Ann on the 1960s sitcom Gilligan’s Island. The show spawned multiple TV movie spin-offs and other TV guest roles and films for [...]

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10 Benefits of Estate Planning (in California) You Need to Know

By Sandra McCarthy|November 29th, 2021|Estate Planning|

Plenty of people think estate planning is only for elderly, wealthy individuals. They may think estate planning holds few benefits for those who are younger or of modest means. The truth is, you don't have to be rich and elderly to reap the benefits of estate planning! You can benefit from it right now. [...]

6 Critical Estate Planning Tools Explained

By Sandra McCarthy|December 20th, 2021|Estate Planning|

"Nothing is certain but death and taxes," as Benjamin Franklin famously said. That's why estate planning is so critical; you know life has to end eventually, so you might as well be prepared. To get started, you'll need to know about some of the best estate planning tools. There are plenty of estate planning [...]

What Is a Conservatorship Bond?

By Sandra McCarthy|January 13th, 2022|Family Law, Probate|

When people have to enter into conservatorship arrangements, they often have some concerns. These fears are very valid because, unfortunately, there have been quite a few instances of the conservatee falling victim to conservatorship mismanagement and fraud. The bad experiences have, however, given rise to solutions, including a conservatorship bond. What is a conservatorship [...]

What Is a Conservatorship Account?

By Sandra McCarthy|March 30th, 2022|Conservatorship|

According to the National Council on Disability, there are an estimated 1.3 million Americans under conservatorships and guardianships right now. All kinds of people can be subject to such an arrangement—everyone from elderly infirm individuals to celebrities like Britney Spears. If you’re involved in one of those 1.3 million cases as a conservator (or are [...]

How to File for Conservatorship in Contra Costa County, CA

By Sandra McCarthy|May 4th, 2022|California Courts, Family Law, Probate|

No one intends to wind up in a conservatorship. However, these legal setups can be a literal lifesaver for some individuals. A conservatorship permits a responsible person to legally assist an adult that can't look after themselves. If you reside in the Contra Costa County area and you have a loved one who needs assistance, [...]

What to Do About Power of Attorney Abuse in California

By Sandra McCarthy|July 4th, 2022|California Courts|

Power of attorney is, as the name implies, powerful. This makes it ripe for abuse if the wrong person acquires that power, and it also means the position has to be subject to a lot of scrutiny even when it's in good hands. Perhaps you have gotten power of attorney and simply want to [...]

What’s a Conservatorship of the Person in California?

By Sandra McCarthy|August 8th, 2022|California Courts, Family Law, Probate|

Dementia, stroke, and other debilitating illnesses are all too common, especially among the elderly. What happens if you have a loved one with an issue like this? You probably want to make sure they get all the attention and care they need. If you live in the Golden State, one way of ensuring you [...]

Conservatorship vs. Power of Attorney in California

By Sandra McCarthy|September 7th, 2022|California Courts, Probate|

When comparing conservatorship vs. power of attorney in California, which one is better? And under what circumstances?

What’s Conservatorship of the Estate vs. Conservatorship of the Person?

By Sandra McCarthy|September 14th, 2022|Conservatorship, California Courts|

When setting up a conservatorship, one of the top questions people have is often, "What is conservatorship of the estate vs. conservatorship of the person?"

California Divorce

By vitalinbound|March 11th, 2021|

Our California Divorce Services Make Sure Beneficiaries Receive Their Inheritance When it’s time to legally move on, we’re here to help. Start Divorce Forms Talk to an Expert Trustpilot DIY Divorce Most Affordable Choice Professionally prepared documents you can file yourself. • Documents Only [...]

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Spousal Support

By Sandra McCarthy|April 15th, 2014|

California Spousal Support Navigate Financial Agreements With Professional Support Determining alimony or spousal support can be complicated and emotional. Trust A People’s Choice to provide the professional insight you need to navigate the process with ease. Learn more about your options regarding California spousal support on this page. Start The Process [...]

Conservatorships in California

By Sandra McCarthy|July 18th, 2014|Estate Planning|

If you have an elderly family member, you may be concerned about his ability to care for himself as he gets older. California law allows an adult to apply or be appointed to take care of another adult who cannot care for himself through a legal process called conservatorship. The person taking care of the [...]

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Benefits of a Realty Trust in California

By Sandra McCarthy|January 2nd, 2017|Estate Planning|

The transfer of the real property in California is often a key concern in estate planning. Sometimes, however, two or more people may want to hold title to real property in a trust that controls how the property is to be distributed at death. This often happens when children inherit property from parents and want [...]

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Child Support For Special Needs Children

By Sandra McCarthy|January 20th, 2017|Family Law, Probate|

Child support for special needs children - not a topic that most families are faced having to discuss, however approximately 20% of couples have at least one special needs child. California courts require parents to financially support their special needs child (regardless of their age). An order of child support for special needs children may [...]

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How to Correct an Error on a California Deed

By Sandra McCarthy|March 6th, 2017|Estate Planning|

It is common for people to make mistakes on their deeds. Fortunately, in California, property owners can use a Corrective Deed to correct any error to a recorded deed. Errors should be corrected as soon as possible. Doing so will reduce setbacks in the transfer of real property later on. Read on to learn more [...]

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Will Documents

Description of Will Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will (individual)	$200
Codicil to Will	$125
Will package (individual) includes Will, Healthcare Directive and Financial Power of Attorney	$250
Will package (couple) includes 2 Wills, 2 Healthcare Directives and 2 Financial Powers of Attorney	$399
Other Services	Call for Quote

Trust Documents

Description of Trust Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Individual) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing revocable trust)	$300
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Couple) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing trust)	$400
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Individual) Includes Trust, Pour-over Will, Certificate of Trust, Healthcare Directive, Financial Power of Attorney and estate folder	$499
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Couple) Includes joint trust, 2 Pour-over Wills, Certificate of Trust, 2 Healthcare Directives, 2 Financial Powers of Attorney and estate folder	$650
Special Needs Trust Designed for beneficiaries with physical or mental disabilities.	$700
Irrevocable Medi-Cal and/or VA Planning Trust	$700
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)

Individual Estate Documents

Description of Individual Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will	$200
Healthcare Directive	$125
Financial Power of Attorney	$125
Codicil to Will	$125
Trust Amendment	$200 and up
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275
Other Services	Call for Quote

Conservatorships Services We Offer	Price
Standard Conservatorship of Person AND/OR Estate (1 Petitioner) with or without Dementia Orders (Documents Only)	$1500
Limited Conservatorship for Developmentally Disabled (Documents Only)	$1200
Add-on Fees for Emergency Ex Parte Conservatorship (limited or standard)	+$450
Additional co-petitioner fee to any Conservatorship Petition	+$200
Add-on Fees for application for notice waivers and order	+$300
Add-on Fees for case management through Petition phase. Services include scheduling of any associated hearings, facilitating filing of documents with the court and other management services typically required to complete your Petition request	+$750
Standard preparation time is 10-14 business days. Rush preparation of all documentation is available for additional fee	$350+

Estate Administration Services	Price
Trust Administration (1 real property) each additional property +$200	$499
Probate Transfer by Affidavit (non-court, for estates with personal property only. This process cannot be used for estates with real property. Property must be valued under $166,250/$184,500)	$225
Simplified Probate Proceeding to Transfer Real Property Not Exceeding $55,425/61,000 (up to 2 Petitioners; 1 real property)	$649*
Simplified Probate Proceeding to Transfer Real Property Not Exceeding $166,425 (up to 2 Petitioners; 1 real property)	$799*
Spousal Property Petition (1 real property)	$749*
Heggstad Petition (1 Petitioner, 1 real property)	$1500**
No frills Probate Petition Documents Only for California Probate with Order of Probate and Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary (document prep only with instructions. No court filing or additional support services.)	$750**
Phase 1 California Probate Petition (Full Service with court filing assistance, arranging publication, notices and case management) up to Order of Probate and Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary	$1500**
Most Popular Full service, complete California Probate, facilitation of court filings, arranging publication, administrative notices, and ongoing case management services	$3900**
Probate Phase 2 or Phase 3 Full Service	$1500.00+/phase
Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale Real Property (for matters with limited authority)	$1500.00 +costs
Notice of Proposed Action (up to 5 notices)	$250
Supplements to Petitions	$250 min. and up
Other Probate Services	Call for quote

*In these alternative small estate probate proceedings, if estate has more than 1 real property or 2 Co-Petitioners, additional fees will based on the following: +$75/each Petitioner over 2; +$150/each additional real property over 1. **In full probate proceedings, the following additional fees will apply, if applicable: +$250/each additional real property over 1; +$250/co-Petitioner; +$100/each beneficiary over 5. Fee covers all standard documents for routine proceeding but does not cover specialty services that may be required in some proceedings. Fees are based on all heirs waiving bond, waiver of accounting by all beneficiaries, and all creditors paid in full prior to filing Petition for Final distribution. Phase 3 Petition for Final Distribution may have add-on fees based on extraordinary actions or requests by the administrator prior to distribution. Annual surcharge fee of $500 will be assessed for each year or partial year the case remains open after 12 months.

Business Services We Offer	Price
General Corporation Includes standard minutes, bylaws, resolutions, stock certificates and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$275
S-Corporation (Includes S-Corp election) Includes standard minutes, bylaws, resolutions, stock certificates and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$310
LLC Includes Operating Agreement and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $70.00	$399
Professional Corp Includes Bylaws. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$499
Non Profit Corporation Includes standard minutes, bylaws and corporate folder. Secretary of State Fee: $30.00	$499
501(C)(3) Non Profit Federal Tax Application	$599
Dissolve Corporation	$200
Walk Through Service with Secretary of State (turn around time 7-10 days)	$165
Registered Agent for Service (Annual) Click here to sign up.	$175
IRS S-Corp Election only	$50
Obtain Tax ID Number	$50
Statement of Information	$50
Fictitious Business Name Includes facilitating processing and publication (filing fee and publication fees vary from county to county).	$175
Basic Partnership Agreement	$300
Business Sales Agreement	$300
Copyright Standard Application	$150
Other Business Services	Call for Quote

Agreements	Price
Marital Settlement Agreement only	$275+
Stipulation and Order	$350+
Stipulation/Order with Paternity petition	$624
Pre or postnuptial Agreement (basic)	$299
Nuptial Agreement with complex, custom clauses	$999

Paternity Matters	Price
Paternity Petition only	$300
Stipulation and Order only	$350
Paternity Petition with Stipulated Judgment	$575
Paternity Petition with Request for Order/Motion for custody, visitation, support	$875

Marriage and Domestic Partnerships Proceedings	Price
Short term Marriage/Domestic Partnership (no personal property, children or real property)	$499
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with personal property (NO children, includes written Agreement)	$624
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with children (Includes written Agreement)	$624
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with 1 real property (Includes written Agreement	$775
Summary Dissolution (Please check qualifications for Summary Dissolution)	$499
Termination of Domestic Partnership through Secretary of State (Please check qualifications for Secretary of State procedure)	$499
Petition Only OR Response to Dissolution	$200-$300
Application to Serve by Publication	$275

NEW "DOCUMENTS ONLY" SERVICE for Marriage and Domestic Partnerships Proceedings. Budget option for documents only. Services do not include any case management or filing services.	Price
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for short-term marriage or domestic partnership (no personal property, children or real property, with filing instructions). Includes all standard documents from Summons to Judgment.	$250
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership (with filing instructions.) Includes all standard documents from Summons and Petition through Judgment based on parties signing a drafted Marital Settlement Agreement (does not address any separate or community real property.)	$400
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership (with filing instructions.) Includes all standard documents from Summons and Petition through Judgment based on parties signing a drafted Marital Settlement Agreement which addresses separate or community real property division.)	$550

Motion/Contested Matters (does not include preparation of Orders After Hrg)	Price
Custody or Visitation Motion (RFO)	$475
Custody, Visitation and/or Support Motion (RFO)	$575
Emergency Custody or Visitation Motion (RFO) Includes request for temporary orders.	$900 min. (incudes RUSH processing)
Emergency Custody, Visitation, Support Motion Includes request for temporary orders.	$975 min. (includes RUSH processing)
Custody, Visitation and Support Motion with Paternity Petition	$875
Ex Parte to Terminate Child Support at 18	$250
Motion for Change of Venue	$575
Motion for Gillmore Election	$775
Other specialty motions	$575+ requires quote
Motion for Bifurcation and Final Judgment documentation	$825
Restraining Order- civil or domestic (no children)	$400 min.
Restraining Order (with children)	$575 min.

Guardianship Services	Price
Guardianship Affidavit or Power of Attorney (non-court)	$175
Guardianship of Person AND/OR Estate (1 Petitioner)	$1200
Add-on Fees for Co-Petitioners (per additional petitioner)	+$200
Add-on Fees for additional Minor(s) per minor	+$400
Add-on fees for Temporary ExParte Guardianship Request	+$300
Terminate Guardianship of Person and/or Estate	$399
Other Guardianship Services	Call for Quote

Expungement Services	Price
California Expungements	$399; +$200 ea. addtl. (same case #)
Felony to Misdemeanor reduction	$399
Criminal Prop 47 Resentencing or Reduction	$399; +$200 ea. addtl. (same case #)
Motion to Terminate Probation Early	$575
Petition to Seal Record	$499
Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitation	$399; +$50 each additional felony

Name Change Services	Price
Adult Name Change (individual)	$399
Combo Adult Name Change with 1 child – If more than one child, add $100.00 for each additional	$450
Name change for Minor Child – If more than one child, add $100.00 for each additional	$399
Name change after Divorce (Certified copy of Order extra)	$100

Title Transfers	Price
Grant Deed, Quitclaim Deed, Affidavit Death of Joint Tenant, Trust Transfer Deed, Transfer on Death Deed or other California deed Includes preparation of Preliminary Change of Ownership Report	$200
Warranty or Out-of-State Deeds (Non-California Deeds)	$275
Timeshare Deeds	$275

Other Matters	Price
Claim for Exclusion of Reassessment (parent/child or grandparent/grandchild)	$125 (discounted to $100 if prepared with deed)
Promissory Note secured by Deed of Trust	$325
Request for Special Notice re Deed of Trust	$125
Order copy of last transfer document/deed	$30

Civil Complaints and Answers	Price
Small Claims Package Includes preparation of claim, submission of documents to court, scheduling of hearing and arranging service of process	$250 plus $25 each defendant over 1
Civil Complaint Limited with 1 cause of action Each additional cause of action	$250 +$75
Response to unverified Civil Complaint with affirmative defenses	$250
Response to verified Civil Complaint with affirmative defenses	$350 (1 cause of action)

Other Civil and Misc. Matters	Price
Propounding Discovery Interrogatories, Request for Admissions, Production of Documents	$500 up
Responding to Discovery Interrogatories, Request for Admissions, Production of Documents	$500 up
Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment	$575
Civil Restraining Order	$499; $25 each addtl. protected person
Renew Judgment	$350
California Sister State Judgment	$300
Other Collection Proceedings	Call for quote
Expungement	$399
Other Services	Call for quote

Copyright Services	Price
Federal Copyright Application	$150
Government Filing Fee	$45-$65

QDROs and Retirement Division	Price
QDRO	$499
Joinder only	$350
QDRO with Joinder	$825

QDROs and Retirement Division	Price
QDRO	$499
Joinder only	$350
QDRO with Joinder	$825

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