As a beneficiary or interested party to an estate, the probate process can be particularly frustrating. The personal representative may not be forthcoming with information or with answers to your questions. Probate can take a long time and there can be long delays until you receive any inheritance. The personal representative is...
Payment for the Personal Representative of an Estate
The personal representative of an estate has a litany of responsibilities it must fulfill. They must locate, inventory, and manage the assets of the estate. They must notify beneficiaries and heirs that the decedent has died. They must notify creditors of the estate and verify which creditor claims are valid and, thus,...
Handwritten Wills in California
Handwritten wills, also known as “holographic wills,” are accepted in California. There are certain requirements that must be observed, however, for a handwritten will to be valid in this state. Also, while handwritten wills may be valid in California, you should be aware of the potential pitfalls of having such a will...
Should You Give an Insurance Company a Statement After an Accident?
BAM! You’ve been in a car accident and suddenly the world feels like it has turned upside down. You may be injured and in pain. Your car could be wrecked to the point of being undriveable. You may confront a seemingly never-ending schedule of doctors’ appointments, lab testing appointments, physical therapy...
California Will Contest Actions
Most of the time, while not very pleasant, probate starts off without a hitch. The decedent’s will is verified by the court and then the personal representative of the estate dives into their many responsibilities. Every so often, however, a person will attempt to contest a will. Now, there are those incidences...
Injuries You May Sustain in a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall victims can sustain traumatic injuries that cause them pain and leave them unable to work for extended periods of time and, sometimes, indefinitely. Left with medical expenses and limited income, these injury victims are hurting physically and financially. The law does, however, provide a way for slip and...
How to Plan for Estate Taxes
Taxes are just a part of life. They are also a part of death. Yes, estate taxes can greatly impact your estate as the taxation rate is significant for those estates that fall above the federal estate tax exemption amount. Right now, this exemption amount is quite high. It sits at $12.92...
California Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the negligent or wrongful actions of someone else. This is true in California as it is in most states. The at-fault party is held civilly liable and, in a successful wrongful death claim, will be ordered to financially compensate survivors...
Pay Attention to these Real Estate Contract Provisions When Buying a House
Buying a house is an exciting, and stressful, time. After all, buying a house is likely to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, purchase a person will make during their lifetime. Make sure you are protecting yourself throughout the process as missteps during home buying can have big and...
Getting Ready to Estate Plan
Think about all that can be accomplished in establishing an estate plan. First, you can put advanced health care directives in place that protect your wishes despite what life may throw your way. Second, you can preserve your wealth and avoid unnecessary taxation. Third, you can help ensure that your assets...