Certainly everyone is familiar with the estate planning terms "will" and "trust," but not everyone understands the differences between the two estate planning tools. Wills and living trusts are both useful estate planning instruments that serve very different purposes. Despite their dissimilarities, both can work together to create a comprehensive estate plan. Just ask our Sacramento probate attorney how it works. Wills and living trusts are needed for estate planning Regardless of how old you … [Read more...] about A Will or a Trust – Which One Should I Choose?

As all probate attorneys recognize, the California Probate Code is an expansive set of statutes that sets for the numerous procedures that may arise in a California probate case. The probate code is huge with significant details pertaining to even the most obscure situations. Experienced and qualified probate attorneys are familiar with these myriad procedures. But first, the basics on probate proceedings in California must be understood. Why Someone Involved in a Probate Proceeding Needs to … [Read more...] about Tips From a Sacramento Probate Attorney

When a loved one dies, the money and property included in their estate need to be distributed to their heirs.  In many cases, the estate must go through the probate process in order for the assets to be properly distributed. The basic probate process requires completion of several steps in order to close probate and make those distributions, which can take a significant amount of time, depending on how probate is handled. However, with the help of one of our Sacramento probate lawyers, there may … [Read more...] about Sacramento Probate Lawyers Know How to Speed up the California Probate Process

It is generally understood that California’s Medicaid program,  known as Medi-Cal, has the ability to seek reimbursement of the medical costs paid out during an individual’s lifetime from that person’s probate estate after their death. In fact, this is a big concern for most people considering whether to apply for Medi-Cal to cover their nursing home expenses.  However, we are aware of the new bill recently passed in California that limits Medi-Cal’s recovery against your probate … [Read more...] about California Bill Limits Medi-Cal Recovery Against Probate Estates

When a parent passes away, the family is usually at a loss as to how to handle their loved one’s estate.  Our law firm can provide a comprehensive guide on what needs to be done when a parent dies. It is always good advice to consult with an experienced and qualified probate attorney to make sure you take care of everything. The first step to take after your parent passes away The first step in being able to handle your deceased parent’s affairs is to obtain a certified copy of his or her … [Read more...] about When a Parent Dies Sacramento Probate Attorneys Can Help

The probate process is the way a person’s estate assets are officially distributed to their heirs and beneficiaries through the California court system. Those assets can include cash, personal property, and real property. Basically, the probate procedures require several steps before the probate can be closed. Estate assets cannot be distributed to heirs or beneficiaries until the probate process is completed.  All of the necessary steps for probate in California are governed by the state’s … [Read more...] about Understanding Probate Law in California

Although most people request an estate plan that helps with avoiding probate, not everyone actually understands what that means. Avoiding probate court does not simply mean avoiding estate taxes. If avoiding probate is your estate planning goal, here are four ways to accomplish that goal. What is the purpose of probate? Basically, probate is a legal procedure conducted by the California probate court in order to transfer ownership of assets to beneficiaries after someone dies. Put another way, … [Read more...] about What if Avoiding Probate is my Goal for Estate Planning?

When someone passes away, the assets making up their estate need to be distributed to their heirs.  In many cases, in order for those assets to be properly distributed the estate must go through the probate process.  Probate involves several steps, including proving the existence of a valid will if there is one, identifying the property and creating an inventory, appraising the property as necessary, paying debts, funeral expenses, and taxes, and then distributing the remaining property to heirs … [Read more...] about How Sacramento Probate Attorneys Can Be Helpful

When someone passes away, the money and other property making up their estate needs to be distributed to their heirs. In many cases, the estate must go through the probate process in order for those assets to be properly distributed. This process typically requires several steps, including proving the existence of a valid will (if there is one), identifying and inventorying the property, appraising the property, paying debts and taxes, and then distributing the remaining property. A probate … [Read more...] about A Probate Lawyer Can Help With the Probate Process

In the event of a loved one passing away, the property left in their estate must be distributed to the right individuals. Usually, that means the estate has to go through the probate process.  The portion of the property that must go through probate is referred to as the probate estate. When it is time for the probate estate to go through these court proceedings, there are generally 7 basic steps required in the process. Here is what you need to know. Before the probate estate can be processed, … [Read more...] about The Steps in Handling the Probate Estate