The loss of a loved one usually ushers in a period of grief and other heightened emotions. If your loved one appointed you to be the Executor of the estate, however, you must also concentrate on the practical and legal ramifications of the decedent’s death. Probating an estate can be a complex and time-consuming endeavor, which is why many Executors choose to retain an experienced probate attorney to help them through the process. If you find yourself responsible for probating an estate, the … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer to Help You Probate an Estate
5 Steps for an Executor to Take Control As Soon As Possible
After the death of a loved one, it is completely normal to experience a wide range of heightened emotions. If you are currently going through this emotional time period, the last thing you want to do is focus on the legal consequences of your loved one’s death. However, if you were appointed to be the Executor of the estate in the decedent’s Last Will and Testament, you will need to do just that because your loved one has trusted you to oversee the probate process. Time is of the essence … [Read more...] about 5 Steps for an Executor to Take Control As Soon As Possible
When Is Probate Not Necessary in California?
If you find yourself responsible for administering the estate of a recently deceased loved one, you are also facing the prospect of spending months, even years, entrenched in the probate process. The good news is that not all estates are required to go through formal probate. Moreover, some assets bypass the probate process altogether. Given the repercussions that can follow making a mistake, you should always consult with an experienced probate attorney before reaching the conclusion that an … [Read more...] about When Is Probate Not Necessary in California?
Queen of Soul Dies Without An Estate Plan
Queen of Soul Dies Intestate Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, passed away at the age of 76, the victim of advanced pancreatic cancer at her home outside of Detroit. Her family released the statement: “In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.” Documents filed by … [Read more...] about Queen of Soul Dies Without An Estate Plan
Charles Manson Estate Case Underscores Importance of Proper Planning
The infamous mass murderer Charles Manson died on November 19, 2017 at the age of 83. It would be logical to assume that there wouldn’t be a lot of folks lining up to lay claim to his horrific legacy. In fact, there are a total of four people involved in a muddled estate contest, and it started with the right to dispose of Manson’s body. His remains sat on ice in Kern County under the supervision of the coroner for months after his passing while the matter was being sorted out by the … [Read more...] about Charles Manson Estate Case Underscores Importance of Proper Planning
What to Expect from Probate Litigation
Probate is the legal process typically required after an individual’s death to settle and distribute the decedent’s estate. The probate process can be costly and complicated even without disputes; however, when a dispute turns into litigation, it can wreak havoc with the administration of the estate. The Riverside probate litigation lawyers at Sandoval Legacy Group, A Professional Law Corporation explain what to expect if you find yourself involved in probate litigation. Probate Basics Most … [Read more...] about What to Expect from Probate Litigation
Artist Thomas Kinkade Estate Dispute Tells Instructive Tale
As Riverside probate litigation attorneys, we often find that highly publicized Will and trust contests that involve famous people can be very instructive to the general public. With this in mind, there was a situation that unfolded a number of years ago that garnered a lot of attention in the media and within the estate planning community. We recently published a blog post about the different types of Wills that exist, and this case definitely underscores the risky nature of what are known as … [Read more...] about Artist Thomas Kinkade Estate Dispute Tells Instructive Tale
Riverside Probate Lawyer Discusses Probate Process Part 3
In Part 2 of our series of Probate Process Blog posts we discussed (1) preparing and filing the Petition for Probate, (2) gathering assets and information, and (3) preparing an Inventory and Appraisal. In this Blog post, we will discuss (1) selling assets during the probate administration, (2) preparing the Final Report and Account, and (3) the distribution of assets to the beneficiaries. Selling Assets During the Probate Administration Many people are under the misunderstanding that all of … [Read more...] about Riverside Probate Lawyer Discusses Probate Process Part 3
Riverside Probate Lawyer Discusses Probate Process Part 2
In our post Riverside Probate Lawyer Discusses Probate Process Part 1, we discussed what a probate is, what an executor, administrator, and personal representative is, the various probate procedures for small estates (less than $150,000) and the spousal property petition. Now we will dig into the process relating to a formal probate proceeding. Preparing and Filing the Petition Before you file your petition for probate, you will want to make sure you have gathered all your information. You … [Read more...] about Riverside Probate Lawyer Discusses Probate Process Part 2
Riverside Probate Lawyer Discusses Probate Process Part 1
Probate is the Legal Process to Transfer Title of a Decedent's Assets Probate is the legal process of transferring assets owned in a deceased persons name to his or her legal heirs. Before the assets can be transferred, (1) any creditors of the decedent must be given notice of death; (2) an inventory of the decedent's assets must be taken; (3) it must be determined if a valid Last Will and Testament exists; (4) creditor claims must be accepted, partially accepted or denied; (5) assets may be … [Read more...] about Riverside Probate Lawyer Discusses Probate Process Part 1
