When managing a loved one’s estate in California, you may receive notice of a claim from a creditor or person claiming heirship from your loved one. However, you may have never heard of this party before. Your loved one’s estate may have become the target of efforts to defraud the estate of...
How to Handle a Missing Will in Probate Administration
If your loved one talked in the past about having created a will, you might feel confused when you and your family aren’t able to locate it after their death. Fortunately, California law permits families to fulfill their loved one’s wishes through procedures to probate a missing will. An experienced probate attorney...
Dealing with Digital Assets in Probate Administration
Digital assets have become a significant part of many people’s estates. Most people will have digital assets, such as email accounts, social media profiles, digital photos or videos, or cryptocurrencies. As a result, personal representatives must understand the unique legal implications and challenges associated with managing digital assets during estate administration.
How Probate Differs for Out-of-State Heirs in San Jose
Although the probate process can cause delays and challenges for a decedent’s heirs and beneficiaries, those heirs/beneficiaries located outside of California may face unique obstacles and complexities.
Understanding Probate in San JoseThe probate process in San Jose approves a decedent’s will, appoints an individual...
How to Handle Disputes Over Property Boundaries in San Jose
Differing assumptions about the exact location of property boundaries can lead to legal disputes between neighbors, particularly in more populated suburban and urban communities. For example, a property owner might place a garden or fence on what their neighbor believes is their property.
Here’s what you need to...
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Durable Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone the authority to act on another person’s behalf. The person granting authority is called the principal, and the person receiving it is the agent. A POA can cover financial matters, healthcare decisions, or both. The principal decides what powers to...
How to Avoid Abuse of Durable Power of Attorney: Legal Safeguards
Choosing someone to make decisions for you under a durable power of attorney (POA) is a big step. This legal document allows a trusted person, called your agent, to handle your finances, property, or medical choices if you lose the ability to do so yourself. A power of attorney can be useful,...
Quiet Title vs. Title Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Quiet title actions and title insurance are two ways to address the title issues that may arise when you purchase real estate. Title insurance offers certain proactive protections in the event of a title dispute, whereas quiet title actions may be taken in response when a title issue arises.
Quiet Title Actions: When and Why You Might Need One
A quiet title action is a lawsuit that settles ownership disputes over real estate. Property owners file this type of case to establish clear and marketable title, which exists when no one else has a valid claim to a property. Courts review these claims and issue decisions confirming ownership.
Easements and Public Access: What Are Your Rights as a Property Owner?
An easement is a legal right that grants someone the ability to use another person’s property for a specific purpose. se. While the property owner still owns the land, they must allow the easement holder to use it as permitted by law or agreement. Easements can be temporary or permanent and may...