A: Yes! This is a particularly common scenario when it comes to estate planning attorneys retiring. Many attorneys already have systems and processes in place for this exact situation. A client always has the right to switch attorneys at any time, even if their...
A: You are not legally required to hire an attorney to file for probate and administer an estate, but the probate process can be difficult to navigate without legal advice. There are numerous tasks to complete, notices to provide, court filings, and deadlines. You...
A: Yes, trustees in California are entitled to receive reasonable compensation for the work performed to administer the trust. The amount of compensation is typically determined to be 1% of the value of the trust estate annually, or charged hourly at a reasonable...
A: Yes, you must at least make a diligent effort to do so. For example, we send the following message to all of our Successor Trustee clients: "As part of the Trustee’s duty to collect and preserve as many assets as possible on behalf of the Trust, we always recommend...
A: There are several reasons a trust may be attacked or challenged as invalid, including: 1: Mental Incompetence: The grantor lacked the requisite mental capacity 2: Undue Influence: External pressure affected the grantor’s decisions 3: Forgery: The trust document is...
A: Possibly. If you have a claim to an estate or inheritance that is based on a promise or an agreement, then you can file a claim under Civil Procedure Code Section 366.3. However, be aware that the claim must be filed no later than ONE year from your grandfather's...
A: If you die without a will or trust in California, your estate will be distributed according to California's intestacy laws. This typically means that your assets will be divided among your closest relatives, such as your spouse, children, or parents, depending on...
A: 1. Undue Influence or Coercion: Beneficiaries may contest a will or trust if they believe the decedent was manipulated into favoring someone unfairly. 2. Lack of Testamentary Capacity: A will or trust might be contested if there's doubt that the decedent had the...
A: It depends. Under California law, the inheritance is initially considered separate property and would not be subject to an equal split in the event of a divorce. However, if you commingle the money by using it to create a joint bank account, a joint property or any...
A: That's right! California law allows for a simpler process to transfer personal property for estates that fall under a certain value threshold (currently $184,500), making it quicker and easier for heirs to receive their inheritance, and without having to go through...
