Category Archives: Probate Attorney Walnut Creek

What Is A Pour-Over Will?

The probate court process could take almost a year finalize. But the goal is to obtain a court order. It is called a Pour-Over Will since you would “pour” the asset over into the RLT. The court would distribute the asset would from the trust to the beneficiaries. If the amount of the asset is less than $166,250, we could prepare a “California Small Estate Affidavit.” You would present the affidavit to the bank or financial institution. It authorizes the bank or financial institution to distribute the asset to the person making the affidavit.  

How to Start a California Probate

Court rules and requirements regarding probate procedure overwhelm people. However, probate courts often respond to these rules differently. Accordingly, the following information covers generalities about California probate. Please refrain from referring to them as a treatise. These guidelines offer an idea about what many probate courts require. Seek the advice of counsel before filing any […]

What to Gather for a Probate Attorney

Probate Estate Planning

To prepare to meet with your probate attorney, gather documents and information regarding the decedent. So, the earlier you take these steps; the sooner probate proceedings will begin. After the county issues a death certificate, bring it with you. Thus, if they have not issued a death certificate, know the decedent’s date of death.   

Will Probate Be Required?

When Will Probate Be Required? Probate is not always required. With proper estate planning, we can avoid probate, protect assets, and get our “ducks in a row” for Medi-Cal planning. Click the above link for an audio podcast on this subject. Mike Young

What Are The Intestate Rights Of Inheritance In Probate Upon The Death Of A Married Person?

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 […]

What Assets Can Be Administered By The Probate Court When The Decedent’s Will Is Filed?

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 […]

Proposition 58 Property Tax Exclusion -Transfer Between Parent and Child

A property tax re-assessment of the home in a transfer from a parent to a child can be avoided under California Proposition 58. For instance, when a probate is closed and the home is transferred to a child, or if the home is transferred to a child through trust administration, we can complete the “Claim […]

Letters Testamentary and Letters Administration in California Probate

When the Personal Representative of the Probate Estate is appointed, whether that person is identified by the court as the executor or administrator of the estate, “Letters Testamentary” or “Letters Administration” will be issued to that person by the court. The Letters give the personal representative authority to carry out certain business of the probate […]

The Personal Representative of the Probate Estate

When a probate is filed, the court will appoint a Personal Representative of the estate. This personal representative will be identified in the court proceeding as the executor or administrator of the estate. This person will sign and file the various documents that will be required by the court through the course of the probate […]

The Probate Spousal Property Petition

Assets that pass to a surviving spouse can be confirmed to the surviving spouse, through a petition process in probate court. This is not a full probate, and is called a “Spousal Property Petition”. This petition process usually takes around two months to complete, as opposed to around a year that is needed to complete […]