What is a Probate Referee in California? By Sandra McCarthy|March 6th, 2021|Probate| If you are settling an estate through the probate process, most likely you will need a probate referee. The role of a probate referee is to appraise property in the estate. A probate referee is a professional, usually an attorney, a certified public accountant, or a person with several years of professional experience in property [...] Read More 18
The California Probate Process: A Step-by-Step Guide By Sandra McCarthy|February 4th, 2021|Probate| The probate process in California starts after someone dies. Depending on the size of the estate, the process of probating an estate can be surprisingly quick and simple to complete. For larger estates, probate may be lengthy and more complex. Here's what you need to know to start the probate process in California. Read More 10
What is a Definitive Explanation of California Probate? By Sandra McCarthy|February 1st, 2021|Probate| California Probate California probate is a simple concept, but that doesn't stop it from stirring up a great deal of trouble in families. The heirs to the estate of the acclaimed singer Prince can attest to that. He died without a will, so his assets are going through a lengthy process laid out by [...] Read More Comments Off on What is a Definitive Explanation of California Probate?
What happens at the first hearing in probate court? By Sandra McCarthy|January 26th, 2021|Probate Column 1, Probate FAQs| Although only about 20% of all probate filings get approved at the first hearing, if your case is one of the lucky ones and all goes well, the Order for Probate will be approved. At that point, the Court Clerk can issue the Letters. "Letters" is the document of authority that starts the probate timeline [...] Read More 2
How to Probate a Will Without a Lawyer in California By Sandra McCarthy|December 29th, 2020|Estate Planning| When a loved one passes away, you may face the overwhelming task of settling their estate. Unfortunately, for some people, juggling attorney fees on top of funeral costs and other expenses can make probate an impossible task. If this sounds like a familiar situation, you may want to look into how to probate a will without a lawyer. Read More Comments Off on How to Probate a Will Without a Lawyer in California
What California Probate Laws Protect the Elderly Against Financial Abuse? By Sandra McCarthy|September 21st, 2020|Probate, Estate Planning| Financial elder abuse is a serious problem in estate planning. However, sometimes fraud is also caught after or during the probate process. Therefore, if an interested party files an action for financial elder abuse, California probate law can help rightful heirs repossess the decedent's assets. Read More 4
Keeping Up With California Courts’ Probate Rules During Coronavirus By Sandra McCarthy|September 21st, 2020|Probate| Since early 2020, the California court system's response to coronavirus has resulted in a plethora of modifications to existing probate rules. However, these requirements vary greatly amongst county courts. As a result, individuals administering an estate should consult their local Superior Court's website for more information. Read More Comments Off on Keeping Up With California Courts’ Probate Rules During Coronavirus
The Problems Walt Disney’s Grandson Faces With Inheritance & Probate Court By Sandra McCarthy|September 20th, 2020|Probate| Did you know that one of Walt Disney's grandchildren has been fighting for over 15 years to collect his inheritance? Read on to learn why the court is holding his money, and how YOU can prevent issues with probate court. Read More Comments Off on The Problems Walt Disney’s Grandson Faces With Inheritance & Probate Court
Is It a Good Idea to Hire a California Probate Attorney? By Sandra McCarthy|September 20th, 2020|Probate| Not every asset that belongs to a deceased person becomes part of his or her estate. Not all estates must go through probate. Only some of the estates that go through probate involve complex issues that require the personal representative to hire a lawyer. In fact, hiring an attorney is usually a waste of money in uncomplicated probate cases. For most people, it makes better financial sense to hire a non-attorney professional to complete your probate forms correctly. Read More Comments Off on Is It a Good Idea to Hire a California Probate Attorney?
Understanding Probate Costs in California: A Comprehensive Guide By Sandra McCarthy|September 16th, 2020|Probate, California Courts| Probate comes with a plethora of fees, including hefty statutory attorneys' fees. However, in California, the court may also rule that estates pay "extraordinary" fees to attorneys. Learn what these fees are and how to avoid them. Read More Comments Off on Understanding Probate Costs in California: A Comprehensive Guide
Which Probate Fees Go To Executors? By Sandra McCarthy|September 16th, 2020|Probate| Did you know personal representatives are entitled to financial compensation for administering their loved one's estate? Read on to learn just how much executors are paid, and how it affects the estate and beneficiaries. Read More Comments Off on Which Probate Fees Go To Executors?
What Kobe Bryant Taught Us About California Probate and Estate Planning By Sandra McCarthy|September 10th, 2020|Estate Planning| When Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a helicopter accident in January of 2020, fans grieved together and shared the lessons Kobe had taught them during his lifetime. However, as Kobe's wife Vanessa was forced to deal with settling her husband's estate, we learned yet another lesson from Kobe. Read More Comments Off on What Kobe Bryant Taught Us About California Probate and Estate Planning
What is a Bond in California Probate & How Do You Get One? By Sandra McCarthy|September 6th, 2020|Probate| Whether you are the executor of an estate or an interested party in a probate case, it's important to have a solid understanding of when and why the court may require a bond. In fact, even if a decedent identified in their will that they do not want bond to be posted, a judge may STILL require one! Read on to learn more about probate bonds and how they may affect you. Read More 2
California Probate Filing Checklist By Sandra McCarthy|August 23rd, 2020|Probate| The steps for filing probate in California can be overwhelming. In fact, the process can often take 8-10 months. To help out, we've provided a free California probate filing checklist for your personal use. For low-cost, non-attorney help with filing probate in California, contact A People’s Choice today. Read More 44
California Probate Without a Will By Sandra McCarthy|July 30th, 2020|Probate| Usually, the probate process utilizes a decedent's will to determine how the estate will be divided. However, when a will is missing, incomplete, or invalid, the court follows the California Intestate Succession Laws instead. Read on to learn more about how these laws work and how you can complete the process process without an attorney, even if you're missing a will! Read More 4
How to Do Probate Yourself in California With A People’s Choice By Sandra McCarthy|July 26th, 2020|Probate| Probating an estate on your own saves you from paying thousands of dollars in attorneys fees. However, it's not necessarily easy to do totally by yourself. Instead, when you hire A People's Choice to help with your DIY probate, you can be confident in the outcome. Read on to learn more about our services and how to start your probate today! Read More Comments Off on How to Do Probate Yourself in California With A People’s Choice
California Petition Final Distribution – What Happens After Probate is Closed? By Sandra McCarthy|June 3rd, 2020|Estate Planning| In order to close a probate estate, the personal representative must file a final account, report, and petition for final distribution. The petition for final distribution gives the court a detailed history of the probate case and explains why the estate is ready to close. Read on to learn more about the California petition for final distribution and how to close a California probate. Read More 12
The California Probate Process: A Step-by-Step Guide By Sandra McCarthy|May 19th, 2020|Probate| Probate is a complex process; however, it is also very procedural. Therefore, by following our step-by-step California probate guide, you can complete the process WITHOUT hiring an attorney! Plus, by hiring the services of a registered legal document assistant such as A People's Choice, you can ensure your legal documents are completed in an accurate and timely matter. Don't settle an estate on your own - contact us today! Read More 1
Understanding California Probate Examiner Notes By Sandra McCarthy|April 28th, 2020|Probate| Understanding the role a probate examiner plays in the probate process, as well as what their notes mean, can help save you time and money during probate. In fact, maintaining an active role in the note process can buy you time to obtain any supplemental materials the court requires to settle the estate as quickly as possible. Read More 2
How to Fill Out Petition for Probate in California By Sandra McCarthy|April 24th, 2020|Probate| Trying to prepare a California petition for probate on your own? We've created step-by-step self-help instructions for anyone filling out a petition for probate California form DE-111. However, this paperwork and its required documents can get complicated; in fact, you may want to hire a legal document assistant to help avoid any issues or deficiencies with your probate. Read More Comments Off on How to Fill Out Petition for Probate in California