Has a bank representative told you that you need “Letters” in order to access a decedent's bank account? Contact me to find out if that...

The gathering of assets in a probate gains momentum once “Letters Testamentary” are received from the probate court. The Letters...

The gathering of assets in a probate gains momentum once “Letters of Administration” are received from the probate court. The Letters of...

You may have reasons to want access to a safe deposit box immediately after the death of a loved one. For example, many people may leave...

Before a probate case in California can be filed, a determination must be made as to whether the person who passed away died “intestate”...

Before a probate case in California can be filed, a determination must be made as to whether the person who passed away died “testate” or...

The question about the number of death certificates needed often comes up during funeral arrangements. As a part of their services, many...

Occasionally a family may have a disagreement about what type of funeral to hold for the person that has passed away. Of course it’s...

Beneficiaries are part of probates only when a will has been admitted to probate. Beneficiaries are people or organizations named...

In general terms, an heir is a close relative who may be entitled to the decedent’s property or money after a death. Usually an heir is...

You may have heard the term "administrator of an estate" if you are involved in a probate. The term is used if someone dies without a...

Should you handle your own probate case in California? It’s possible to go through the probate process in California without an attorney,...

If you are participating in a probate, you may have heard the term “executor of the estate”. This term is used when a decedent left...

California probate can often be very expensive.  After reviewing the costs, you may be tempted to handle your probate case yourself...

It’s overwhelming. Someone close to you has died and you’re trying to cope with your grief. In addition to your emotional struggles, you...

You are dealing with the emotional toll of a death in your family and you realize you need to open a probate case.  You are shocked when...

Every probate case begins by filing a "Petition for Probate" with the correct California court. All courts in California require that...

Probate is a court case. The purpose of a probate case is to collect assets, pay debts and distribute the property to heirs or...

Probate is generally required in California when a person who has passed away owned property worth more than $150,000. However, if the...