Intestate succession in California refers to the probate process that distributes property and assets when someone dies without a will or when someone passes away and hasn’t included certain assets in the will or another estate planning instrument. When an estate becomes intestate, that estate is subject to intestacy laws, which are also known as California next-of-kin laws. In
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Estate Administrator vs. Executor: What’s the Difference?
When a loved one passes away, navigating the legal and financial maze of settling their estate can be overwhelming. Whether someone has named you an executor or an estate administrator, both roles have significant responsibilities. However, while many people use these terms interchangeably, there are key differences about an estate administrator vs. executor, particularly when it comes to when and
What Is an Estate Administrator?
When a loved one dies, managing their estate can be complex and emotional. Depending on the circumstances, one of the critical roles involved in this process can be the estate administrator. The administrator of an estate is appointed by a local probate court to oversee the estate administration and manage the estate through the probate process. But what does an
Can I Leave Everything to My Pet? A Pet Trust Guide
As a pet lover, you might joke (or daydream) about leaving your pets everything you own when you are gone. Because they’re not just pets; they’re family. They’ve been by your side through thick and thin, offering unconditional love, endless comfort, and the occasional slobbery kiss or chewed-up shoe. But what if you could leave them everything—your home, your savings,
Estate Planning and Charitable Giving: What to Know
Estate planning isn’t just about protecting your assets for future generations; it’s also an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the causes you care about. By strategically incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan, you can leave a legacy that extends far beyond your lifetime. Understanding how to combine estate planning and charitable giving is crucial to leaving a
Conversation Starters for the Elderly to Use Over the Holidays!
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and the kind of cherished memories that warm your heart like a piping cup of hot chocolate. More than anything, though, this is an opportunity to connect with your loved ones and show them how much you care. But let’s be honest – sometimes, those long family dinners can get a little
Why Would You Put Your House in a Trust in California?
If you are like many California residents, your home is one of your most valuable assets, and ensuring it is taken care of into your old age and passed to your loved ones efficiently is of the utmost importance. Many people like you come to our office with a single question: Why would you put your house in a trust?
Can a Trust Protect Assets from a Lawsuit?
Certain types of trusts can protect assets from lawsuits, which professionals at a higher risk of lawsuits commonly use. Revocable trusts, also called living trusts, cannot protect assets from a lawsuit because the trust creator still maintains property ownership in these arrangements. Irrevocable trusts, however, can protect assets from lawsuits. To ensure this type of trust protects assets, the trust
Does an Executor Have to Show Accounting to Beneficiaries?
An executor has the legal obligation to show an accounting to beneficiaries unless beneficiaries have waived the accounting. But there is more to it than that, which only adds to your stress. You have a lot on your plate right now; you may feel overwhelmed and still be grieving the loss of a loved one. When a request for an
How to Stop an Elderly Parent from Giving Money Away
So, your parent is squandering their estate on lavish gifts or questionable purchases. Watching a beloved parent make questionable financial decisions can be heart-wrenching. Because when they give away their money and property, they aren’t just forfeiting material assets; they’re giving away their future, as well as the future financial security of anyone who might inherit from their estate. Whether