People’s lives live online. From social media profiles to email accounts, these digital lives are as valuable as anything in the physical world. But what happens to online accounts and digital assets after someone dies? For families and loved ones, it can be hard to figure out what to do with these accounts and assets….
After a loved one dies, there can be unexpected stress over financial matters. This can happen if a will does not seem to reflect the person’s true intentions. So, how do you challenge a will? In California, the law allows certain people to challenge a will, but you need careful planning, attention to deadlines, and…
When was the last time you reviewed the beneficiaries listed on your life insurance, retirement accounts, or savings accounts? If it has been a long time or you have experienced a major life change, you may want to look at those documents. You may have filled them out years ago, but in California, they can…
Managing a deceased person’s estate in California can be complicated, even when the estate is small. For these situations, a Small Estate Affidavit can simplify the process. So, what is a Small Estate Affidavit, and how does it work in California? This legal document allows heirs or beneficiaries to claim personal property without going through…
When someone you love passes away, the emotional weight can feel overwhelming. The last thing you want is to be blindsided by unexpected costs on top of your grief. Unfortunately, if their estate goes through probate in California, expenses can quickly add up, from court fees to attorney costs and even taxes you might not…
Blended families bring a lot of love, laughter, and sometimes a little complication, especially when it comes to estate planning and probate. If you have children from a previous relationship or stepchildren, California’s probate laws can feel confusing or unfair if you’re not prepared. If you have a blended family with an estate that may…
When a loved one passes away, families have to deal with processing their grief and managing the legal process to distribute property. In California, the process follows the state’s probate rules and community property laws when one spouse passes away. So, what is the impact of community property laws on California probate? Let’s take a…
Wills contain plenty of legalese, terms, and clauses. As you browse, you might notice something called the no-contest clause. What is it? While it may sound a little intimidating, it is not as scary as it seems once you get the basics down. Here is what you need to know about understanding the no-contest clause…
Settling a loved one’s estate can feel overwhelming, especially if they owned property in more than one state. You may wonder how to handle probate when the deceased owned property in multiple states. What steps do you need to take first? Fortunately, the process is less intimidating than it may seem. Let’s look at what…