Showing results for estate blown

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.

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.

SLAT Estate Planning: A Great Option for Large Estates

By Sandra McCarthy|January 17th, 2022|California Courts, Estate Planning, Probate|

There are many estate planning strategies out there, but which one is best? To be honest, it really depends on your situation. While most real estate strategies are designed to grow and successfully transfer assets, some are meant to look even further ahead to future generations. One of the latter, spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) [...]

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Free Five-Step Estate Planning Checklist

By Sandra McCarthy|April 27th, 2020|Estate Planning|

Estate planning is imperative for anyone looking to ensure the well-being of their family members after their death. In fact, we always recommend that our clients create an estate plan. Therefore, in order to help out with this daunting process, we've created a free checklist for your reference. Read on to learn how to use it!

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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.

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Revocable Trusts in California: An Estate Plan for Every Budget

By Sandra McCarthy|February 7th, 2021|Estate Planning|

When you hear about trusts in the context of estate planning, you probably think about trust fund babies and about sums of money that are so big that they cannot logically belong to individuals, much less to young people. Surprisingly, revocable trusts, also known as living trusts, can also offer many benefits to the 99%. If the value of your property is high enough that you do not qualify for any of the California simplified probate alternatives, then you could probably save your family members a lot of money by setting up a revocable trust. The good news is that revocable trusts in California do not have to be expensive to set up! You can save yourself a lot of money by having a California non-attorney legal document assistant prepare your revocable trust documents, instead of an estate planning lawyer.

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Estate Documents Form

By Sandra McCarthy|March 7th, 2024|

A People’s Choice legal document preparation service in Ventura California can save you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars by preparing your California court and other legal documents instead of an expensive attorney!

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Our California Estate Planning Services

By Sandra McCarthy|October 4th, 2020|

California Estate Planning Documents: Living Trust, Will, Directive and Other Estate Planning Services Planning for your estate with properly prepared estate planning documents is important for everyone, from the single mother with a young child, to the mature couple who have the opportunity to enjoy life a little more leisurely. Start My Estate Plan [...]

Estate Planning

By vitalinbound|February 11th, 2021|

Our California Estate Planning Services Give the Gift of a Hassle-Free Inheritance Estate planning services tailored to your needs, providing peace of mind that assets will be transferred smoothly and without conflicts. Trustpilot Start My Estate Plan Talk to an Expert Trust Package [...]

California Estate Planning Blog And News

By Sandra McCarthy|February 26th, 2018|

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What are My Duties as Executor of a Will?

By Sandra McCarthy|March 31st, 2020|Probate|

In California, most people who put together an estate plan appoint someone as executor of their will. One of the main duties as executor of a will is to carry out the decedent's wishes after they die. If you are the executor of a will, your duties begin when you open the estate for probate with the court. They do not end until the estate settles and every beneficiary gets his or her share of the estate. California law acknowledges that being an executor of a will is a real job, so if you need help with the probate documents, rely on a professional. Contact A People’s Choice to help you prepare and file the forms for California probate.

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 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.

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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.

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.

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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 [...]

Estate Planning Pricing

By Sandra McCarthy|September 10th, 2016|

Pricing for Estate Planning Document Preparation One of the most important questions when considering getting professional help for legal document preparation service is...how much is it going to cost? All of the services offered by A People's Choice are quoted on a flat fee. This fee includes preparing the standard paperwork [...]

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Quick Start My Estate Plan

By Sandra McCarthy|April 28th, 2020|

Start Your California Estate Plan How it works 1. Complete our Estate Planning questionnaire Complete our simple online form, it’s quick, convenient and risk free! 2. Review and confirm services Review your information and tell us how quickly you need your documents. 3. Sign and purchase Securely [...]

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Property Deeds and Other Real Estate Pricing

By Sandra McCarthy|April 30th, 2017|

Pricing for Deed Transfers and Other Real Property Document Services One of the most important questions when considering getting professional help for legal document preparation service is...how much is it going to cost? All of the services offered by A People's Choice are quoted on a flat fee. This fee includes preparing the standard paperwork [...]

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Why and How You Can Plan Your Estate Today

By Sandra McCarthy|January 10th, 2022|Estate Planning|

According to Forbes, most people avoid estate planning. They might feel they're too busy and will get it done at a later time in their lives. They may also fear the expense. Finally, some people also perceive estate planning as some kind of jinx. If you're like the average Joe, you may prefer to live [...]

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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

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

Adoption Services We Offer	Price
Uncontested Stepparent Adoption - one minor child (for each additional minor child add $150)	$499*
Petition to Terminate Parental Rights of unknown father	$599
Petition to Terminate Parental Rights (Willful Failure to Support or Abandonment)	$599
Adult Adoption - 1 adoptor & 1 adoptee (add $150 if there are 2 co-adoptors)	$599
Independent Adoption	$650*
Other Adoption Services	Call for Quote

Grandparent Visitation	Price
Petition for Grandparent Visitation within existing Active Family Law Case	$850
Petition for Grandparent Visitation without Active Family Law Case	$1000

Misc. Documents/Services	Price
QDRO	$499
Joinder only	$350
QDRO with Joinder	$825
Preliminary or Final Disclosure Package	$375
Application and Order to Serve by Publication	$275
Guideline Support Calculations (3 report variations)	$150
Trial Brief for family law trial (summary of issues only)	$500 min. (depending on issues)

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