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?" Read More 0
Understanding Federal Estate and Gift Tax Rates in California By Sandra McCarthy|September 12th, 2022|Estate Planning, Probate| The federal gift tax is a tax by the government that applies to either assets left by a decedent at their death or assets given by an individual during their lifetime. In essence, whether you give your assets away while you are still living, or give them away when you die, they are subject to a tax. Gift tax applies to lifetime gifts; estate tax applies to assets left at death. Read on to learn about the federal estate and gift tax and how it may affect your estate. Read More 0
What’s a Conservatorship of the Estate in California? By Sandra McCarthy|August 10th, 2022|California Courts, Estate Planning, Family Law, Probate| It happens every day: while driving on a highway, someone gets into a ghastly accident and sustains an injury. The accident impairs their cognitive and physical ability, and they can no longer oversee their estates and finances. What happens if, God forbid, this person is your spouse or relative? You may decide you need [...] Read More 0
What Is Guardianship and Conservatorship? An Explanation in Plain English By Sandra McCarthy|February 14th, 2022|Family Law, Probate| Guardianships and conservatorships exist to help people who can't always help themselves. However, unlike other states, California defines guardianship and conservatorship as two completely different arrangements. Both have to do with caring for someone who can't care for themselves, but they have separate meanings and applications. So, what is guardianship and conservatorship in the [...] Read More 0
What Is Probate Estate? By Sandra McCarthy|September 20th, 2021|Estate Planning, Probate| As a popular saying attributed to Japanese writer Haruki Murakami goes, "death is not the opposite of life but a part of it." That brings to mind the fact that although death can stop a person from living, it can’t stop the person’s legacy from thriving. This, is related to the far less poetic, [...] Read More 0
Definitive Explanation for California Probate Court By Sandra McCarthy|May 5th, 2021|Probate| The loss of a loved one brings immense grief and pain to family, friends, and relatives. At this difficult time, the last thing anybody wants to think about is what assets and debts a loved one left behind. However, it is very useful to go to court and complete this pertinent task through probate [...] Read More Comments Off on Definitive Explanation for California Probate Court
Intestate Succession in California: What Happens When There’s No Will? By Sandra McCarthy|February 11th, 2021|Succession, California Courts| Intestate succession in California is a critical legal process that comes into play when an individual passes away without a valid will. Governed by specific state statutes, these laws dictate the distribution of a decedent's property to surviving heirs. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of how California's intestate succession laws function, outlining the [...] Read More 51
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?
An Explanation of Important California Divorce Forms By Sandra McCarthy|October 14th, 2020|Divorce| Like most legal proceedings, the required documents for California divorces will vary based on the circumstances at hand. However, there are some forms that most - if not all - California divorcees will require. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean they're simple. Read on for an explanation of some of the most common California divorce forms. Then, contact A People's Choice for help completing and filing your paperwork! Read More Comments Off on An Explanation of Important California Divorce Forms
How a California Durable Power of Attorney Can Help You Plan for the Future By Sandra McCarthy|August 16th, 2020|Estate Planning| Did you know that a durable power of attorney is different from a power of attorney document? Believe it or not, a California durable power of attorney helps you plan for your future under different circumstances. Read on to learn more about the benefits of a durable power of attorney, what it means, and how A People's Choice can assist with your estate planning needs. Read More Comments Off on How a California Durable Power of Attorney Can Help You Plan for the Future
What is a California Trust Restatement? By Sandra McCarthy|May 29th, 2020|Estate Planning| If you need to make changes to your living trust, you can either amend the original document or create a new document with a California trust restatement. Read on to learn more about when a restatement is advised, and the benefits of restating a living trust. Then, be sure to contact A People's Choice to learn how we can help. Read More Comments Off on What is a California Trust Restatement?
Tips and Best Kept Secrets for Executors of Estates By Sandra McCarthy|May 20th, 2020|Probate| Being appointed executor of an estate can put you in a stressful situation, but luckily there are a plethora of options out there to help simplify the process! For example, in this blog post we've outlined our top tips and best kept secrets for executors of estates. Plus, we provide hands-on legal document assistance so you don't have to hire an expensive attorney! Reach out today for more information about how we can help. Read More Comments Off on Tips and Best Kept Secrets for Executors of Estates
How to Open an Estate Account During Probate By Sandra McCarthy|November 3rd, 2019|Probate| There are five steps to open an estate bank account. 1) File Probate; 2) Get Letters Issued; 3) Apply for Tax ID Number (EIN); 4) Select the Bank; 5) Deposit Funds and Open Account. Opening an estate bank account is not difficult if you have the correct forms. It is a good idea to hire a registered legal document assistant to help you with the probate process so there will be no delays to be able to open an estate account during probate. Read More 2
How to Close a Probate Estate in California By Sandra McCarthy|December 29th, 2016|Probate| There are many steps in the California probate process, the last of which is closing the probate case. In order to close a probate estate in California, the appointed personal representative must file a petition with the probate court which reports everything he/she has done in regards to the estate. The personal representative must file [...] Read More 4
Probate an Estate with Lost Will By Sandra McCarthy|November 11th, 2016|Probate| If you have to probate an estate with lost will in California, it is not an easy task. If a will is lost, specific facts, circumstances, and state law will decide which family members inherit the decedent’s assets. For example, if the will was revoked prior to the decedent’s death, and a new will did [...] Read More Comments Off on Probate an Estate with Lost Will
Real Estate Title in California By Sandra McCarthy|April 25th, 2014| Real Estate Title in California In California, there are several ways to hold title to real property. Property can be owned by individuals as sole owner or as co-owners. Legal entities can also hold title to real property. If you have any questions as to which method is best, you [...] Read More 0
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
Understanding California’s Transfer on Death Deed By Sandra McCarthy|August 26th, 2020|Estate Planning| Are you considering using a transfer on death deed to transfer real property to a beneficiary after your death? Believe it or not, a TOD deed is not always the best option for estate planning. In fact, it works best for people without minor children, whose real estate is their only asset. Read on to learn more about whether a TOD deed is right for you. Read More 111
The Downside of Holographic Wills in California By Sandra McCarthy|August 25th, 2020|Estate Planning| Holographic wills are estate planning documents that the testator writes and signs completely by hand. Furthermore, testators are not required to sign these documents in front of witnesses. As a result, probate courts often deem holographic wills invalid! That said, if you choose to create a holographic will, there are several elements you MUST include to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Read More Comments Off on The Downside of Holographic Wills in California
Dying Without a Will in California By Sandra McCarthy|August 16th, 2020|Estate Planning| Dying without a will in California subjects your estate to California intestate succession laws. In other words, the court will distribute your property depending on your living relatives. For example, your assets may go to a spouse or your children. However, if you want your property distributed in a certain manner, contact A People's Choice today. We can help you prepare a will or other estate planning documents to protect your assets upon your death. Read More Comments Off on Dying Without a Will in California