Probate court takes 18-24 months usually because of the steps that need to be taken and the court hearing schedule.

When a house is sold after someone dies, there can be capital gains taxes and/or property taxes depending on the circumstances.

An Executor is when there’s a will; an Administrator is when there’s no will; a Successor Trustee is when there’s a trust. Executors and Administrators are subject to Probate Court; the Successor trustee is not.

The cost of probate involves financial expenses, time, and publicity. The financial cost is a percentage of gross assets, as set by California statute.

How you administer a trust depends on exactly what the trust says at the time it needs to be carried out.

Why should you use an attorney to create your estate plan? Because your family are people; don’t let a machine tell you what’s best for your family!

Three reasons to estate plan now: you have more than $184,500 in assets; you have kids; or you want to make life easier for your loved ones if you’re incapacitated or deceased.

Once you have a trust, you must make sure to put your assets into the trust. And, don’t forget that you should still review the trust every three to five years!

How you compensate your executor or successor trustee is part of your estate plan.

How does your family get access to your email or other digital accounts? You have to give it to them, in advance, before they need it.

California’s probate system is unique. Learn when and why you should consider a trust.

“I hear a lot about probate fees. What’s that all about?”