How Long Do You Have to File Probate After Death in California
When a loved one passes away, families are often left grieving and overwhelmed. Legal deadlines are rarely the first thing on anyone’s mind. One of the most common questions families ask is simple and important. How long do you have to file probate after death in California?…
Can You Handle Probate Without a Lawyer in California?
Choosing the right estate planning lawyer can make the difference between a plan that protects your family and one that causes confusion, delays, or future legal problems. Estate planning is not something most families think about every day…
Why Does Probate Take So Long in California
California families are often surprised to learn that probate can take a very long time. It is common for probate cases to last twelve to twenty four months and sometimes even longer. As an estate planning attorney in California, I help families navigate both probate and trust administration. One of the most common questions I hear is simple. Why does probate take so long in California…
How a Joint Account Can Save Your Family from Probate (and When It Can’t)
When someone passes away, their assets including homes, bank accounts, and investments don’t automatically transfer to loved ones. In California, if those assets are titled only in the deceased person’s name, they typically must go through probate, a court-supervised process that can be lengthy, expensive, and public.
Did You Know It Costs $46,000 to Get a $1 Million Home Through California Probate?
If you think probate is just a small court process after someone passes away, think again. In California, probating a $1 million home costs around $46,000 in legal…
Top 5 Reasons Californians Still End Up in Probate (and How to Avoid It)
Probate can be one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of settling an estate. In California, the court process can easily take a year or more, freezing access to assets and creating added costs, paperwork, and emotional strain for families who are already grieving.
Probate vs Trust in California: Why Trusts Win for Orange County Families
Understand why establishing a trust can save time, stress, and money compared to probate.