(Simple Planning Steps That Make a Meaningful Difference) Most families do not end up in court because someone was reckless. They end up there because something was incomplete. Court involvement after death or incapacity is often the result of missing documents, outdated beneficiary designations, or assets titled incorrectly. In California, when assets are not properly structured, probate proceedings are governed by the California Probate Code. The good news: many of the most

(It’s More Than Just Attorney Fees) When people hear the word “probate,” they often assume it simply means “a legal process.” It is. But in California, probate is also: Expensive Public Time-consuming Emotionally draining Understanding the real cost requires looking beyond court filing fees. 1. Statutory Attorney and Executor Fees In California, probate fees are set by statute under the California Probate Code. They are calculated based on the gross value of the estate - not

If you die without a trust in California, your estate will likely go through probate. Probate is a court-supervised process for transferring assets from someone who has died to the people legally entitled to receive them. It is not automatic. It is not fast. And it is not private. Here’s what that actually means in real life. What Is Probate? Probate is a public court proceeding governed by the California Probate Code. A judge oversees the administration of your estate to mak

What Families Need to Know California recently changed the law in a significant way. Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016) makes it easier for some families to transfer a loved one’s primary residence after death without going through a full probate. For people who pass away between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2028, the law allows a family home worth up to $750,000 (based on gross value, not equity) to be transferred through a simplified court process instead of a full probate case. T