Estate Planning for Blended Families: Our Top Tips By Sandra McCarthy|October 25th, 2021|Estate Planning| Estate planning is essential for any family, be it nuclear or extended. And if estate planning is important for a standard family, how much more important is it be for blended families, with their added members and complexities? Financial and other relevant aspects of a person’s life, when planned carefully in advance, can benefit [...] Read More 0
Uniform Probate Code: A Helpful Beginner’s Guide By Sandra McCarthy|August 11th, 2021|Probate| Uniform Probate Code: A Helpful Beginner's Guide California isn't a uniform probate code state. However, there are many other states that follow this code, which regulates how probate works. Whether or not you live in a UPC state can affect any probate process you’re tied up in, as well as your own estate planning. [...] Read More 0
What is a Probate Lawyer and Why You Don’t Need One to File Probate By Sandra McCarthy|August 2nd, 2021|Probate| It is very hard to deal with the loss of a loved one. There are many memories and emotions to process right after they are laid to rest. In the midst of all that, the last thing anybody wants is to have to encounter the stress of the probate process. In some cases, a [...] Read More 2
How to Find Probate Records Online – Find Your Records Quickly By Sandra McCarthy|May 21st, 2021|Probate| How to Find Probate Records Online? Is it Possible? If you know anyone who has been mired in a probate case, you may have heard them talk about the horrors of probate. Probate gets a bad rep because of how expensive and time-consuming it can get, but it has existed in America since 1784, [...] 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 California Legal Document Assistant? By Sandra McCarthy|February 7th, 2021| California Legal Document Assistant vs. Paralegal What is a Legal Document Assistant (LDA)? On September 30, 1998 former Governor Pete Wilson signed California State Senate Bill SB1761, regulating the legal document preparation profession in the State of California, and creating a new formal title, Legal Document Assistant. Today, the legal document assistant profession [...] Read More 0
California Estate Planning for Single Parents By Sandra McCarthy|February 6th, 2021|Estate Planning| Every parent worries about what will happen to his or her children after the parent dies, but single parents have double the worries. If you are married, the default option is that your children will stay with your spouse. They may remain living in the same house, and your spouse will most likely continue to work to take care of them financially. As horrible as it is to think about your spouse and children having to adjust to life without you, it is even scarier to think about your children’s future without you if you are a single parent. Therefore, it is important for single parents to get started on estate planning — even single parents who are young and healthy. Read More Comments Off on California Estate Planning for Single Parents
What is a Living Trust and How to Easily Set It Up in California By Sandra McCarthy|February 3rd, 2021| A living trust allows a person to put their property under the control of a trustee who holds legal title to the property on behalf of a beneficiary. Many individuals choose to create a living trust so their estate can avoid probate upon their death. However, in some cases, a trust may not provide adequate legal protection. If you're wondering if a living trust is right for you, read on to learn more. Read More 0
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?
How to Obtain Conservatorship in California By Sandra McCarthy|December 2nd, 2020|Probate| One of the first steps of obtaining conservatorship in California is understanding the process. Then, you must complete complicated petition documents. Need help with this step? Be sure to contact A People's Choice for low cost, attorney-free assistance. Read More 44
Mediation and Child Custody: Process Description and Preparation Tips By Sandra McCarthy|September 3rd, 2020|Family Law| Sometimes, mediation for child custody agreements is mandated by the court. During mediation, parties will typically have the opportunity to present their concerns to the mediator and to the other parent. Then, the mediator will provide both parents with the necessary tools to reach an agreement on contested issues. However, there are tips that parents can use to reach this agreement more quickly. Read on to learn more about mediation for child support in California, and how you can prepare for it. Read More 11
The Importance and Purpose of Single Parent Estate Planning By Sandra McCarthy|July 31st, 2020|Estate Planning, Family Law| As a single parent, it's important to plan for the worst to ensure your children's protection in case of an emergency. For example, a power of attorney can appoint a trusted friend or family member to handle your finances. Plus, you may want to choose a guardian for your children in the case of your incapacitation or untimely death. Read on for more tips on making these important decisions. Read More Comments Off on The Importance and Purpose of Single Parent Estate Planning
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
Pros, Cons, and Alternatives: California’s Courts Self-Help Center By Sandra McCarthy|April 27th, 2020|California Courts| Many people who try to use the California courts self-help centers end up calling a registered legal document assistant service instead. Read on to learn how these self-help centers can help you, and whether a service such as A People's Choice's may be better suited for your situation. Read More Comments Off on Pros, Cons, and Alternatives: California’s Courts Self-Help Center
Why You Should Transfer Real Property Into A Trust By Sandra McCarthy|April 25th, 2020|Estate Planning| Transferring real property into a trust helps avoid probate, estate taxes, guardianship or conservatorship, and much more. If you're worried about what will happen to your assets after your death, considering transferring your property into a trust. This act could help save your loved ones from stress and difficulty when settling your estate. Read More 2
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. Read More Comments Off on How a Fill-in-the-Blank Will Can Go Wrong
Conservatorship For Someone With Dementia By Sandra McCarthy|April 28th, 2019|Probate| Are you trying to get a conservatorship for someone with dementia? Nearly 50% of people over the age of 85 suffer from some form of dementia. Dementia can become severe and result in a person being unable to care for themselves. Unfortunately, when a person with dementia loses the ability to care for him/herself, a family member or some other person may need to intervene and set up a guardianship or conservatorship. If you have a family member suffering from dementia, here is some important information you need to know. Read More Comments Off on Conservatorship For Someone With Dementia
How to Sue in Small Claims Court to Settle Disputes By Sandra McCarthy|October 21st, 2018|California Courts| Small claims courts are a low/cost, quick alternative to civil courts to settle civil disagreements. The rules of small claims court are simpler and the process is quicker and less expensive than a regular civil court. Examples of when you may want to sue in small claims court include: (1) Your landlord did not return your security deposit; (2) An auto repair shop did not fix your car properly; (3) You loaned money to a friend who refuses to pay you back; (4) You purchased a new HDTV that had a manufacturing defect, and the store will not return it; or someone hit you, broke your nose, and (5) You want them to pay for your medical bills. Read More Comments Off on How to Sue in Small Claims Court to Settle Disputes
Co-Parenting Children After Divorce When You Don’t Agree By Sandra McCarthy|September 3rd, 2018|Family Law| Co-parenting children after a divorce requires a lot of patience and hard work. From juggling busy schedules, to working together to raise children in two households, parents often feel overwhelmed with the tasks of co-parenting. There are many benefits to having a co-parenting plan, and studies show that co-parenting works best when both parents cooperate and manage their emotions. It also helps to have a defined schedule and co-parenting agreement. Read More Comments Off on Co-Parenting Children After Divorce When You Don’t Agree