Debt is a growing reality in the United States, with many Americans expected to pass away while still owing money. Unfortunately, a loved one’s debts don’t simply vanish. While some, like federal student loans, may be forgiven, others—including private loans and cosigned accounts—remain. Common debt includes: Debt is a reality many families must confront in…
Estate planning attorneys, probate attorneys, and trust administration attorneys each fulfill vital yet distinct functions within the legal procedures related to legacy planning, asset distribution, and wealth preservation. Estate planning attorneys focus on creating a plan to manage a person’s assets and affairs, while probate and trust administration attorneys settle an estate or trust after…
It’s common to partake in financial transactions that lead to owed money. For example, many people lend funds or lease property. However, the situation takes a unique turn when the individual entitled to receive this money passes away. The question that arises is whether someone else can step in to claim these outstanding debts. Here…
Probate refers to the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. Probate litigators are attorneys specializing in legal disputes regarding probate matters. In this Q&A, our probate litigator, Matthew Stein, Esq. will answer important probate and estate planning questions. What does a probate litigator do? Probate litigation attorneys handle estates, trusts, and…
The state of California determines probate attorney fee commissions based on the estate’s total value. The state of California determines probate attorney fee commissions based on the estate’s total value. For estates valued over $150,000, but less than $25,000,000, the statutory fees for attorneys and executors in California’s probate cases are a sum of the…
If you’ve scheduled a meeting with your probate attorney, you’ve taken the first step in navigating the challenging and confusing probate process. Your probate attorney will assist you with court filings, mediate and resolve conflicts between beneficiaries, and represent you if legal issues arise. Being prepared with the necessary documentation is essential when you first…
Probate is a legal process that occurs after someone dies. It’s a court proceeding that is time-consuming, complicated, and costly. However, it’s required to appoint legal title to assets at death. During a typical probate, the court oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s assets. The process usually starts with submitting a will and a…
Did you know probate and trust litigation has doubled in Southern California over the past ten years? The death of a loved one is a traumatic experience. Sometimes a parent dies without a will, or the family disagrees over the terms of a will or a trust. When these disagreements can’t be resolved, probate or…