The rights of inheritance from a person who died intestate, and who was married at the time of death, will depend upon the nature of the particular asset being probated. Assets of the decedent who is a married person can be community property, quasi-community property or separate property. Quasi-community property is property acquired in another […]
The state will want to know about all assets of both spouses, including savings, cash, stocks, etc. In addition, the cash surrender value of whole life insurance of the ill spouse cannot exceed $1,500.
Only certain assets left through a person’s will can be administered through a probate proceeding. For a married person, all of his or her separate property, which is in that person’s name alone, can be distributed through a probate court proceeding. Separate property is identified as what was owned by the decedent before marriage. In […]
If the will lists other beneficiaries in addition to the surviving spouse, then only the property listed in the will that goes to the surviving spouse is subject to the petition.
Probate proceedings typically take about a year to complete, and can take even longer depending on the assets and complexities of the case. After the petition is filed, notices are given and probate publication is made. Probate statutory time frames must be adhered to, and apply to various aspects of the probate, including filing dates, […]
Many probates involve real estate where a mortgage or loan, is secured by a deed of trust which is recorded against title of the subject real property. Properly recorded mortgages survive the death of the borrower/owner of the property, and remain as liens against the real property through probate. As a result, mortgages are not […]
If you apply for Medi-Cal, the following list includes items that are generally exempted for qualification. Your home is exempted if it is your principal residence. When applying for Medi-Cal, you will confirm on the application that you intend to return home after your stay in a skilled nursing facility. Medi-Cal requires a “subjective intent […]
If there is no will, then the surviving spouse, the children of the decedent, parents, etc., can petition the court to be named as the “Administrator With Will Annexed.”
We usually don’t think estate planning documents are necessary for younger adults. But consider the potential need for financial and health care powers of attorney for them.
If you do happen to answer the phone, you should hang up immediately if the caller is trying to sell you something. Just tell the caller no regarding any prizes, requests for money from people you don’t know and requests for money from religious and charitable organizations.