In California, the executor of an estate is entitled to compensation for the time, effort, and responsibility involved in administering the estate. Serving as an executor is a demanding role that includes managing assets, paying debts, filing taxes, and distributing property to heirs. To recognize these responsibilities, the California Probate Code provides a statutory fee…

In California, naming beneficiaries is one of the most important aspects of estate planning, yet it is an area where mistakes can create significant legal and financial problems. Beneficiary designations control how assets such as life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts are distributed. These designations override instructions in a will or trust, making careful…

In California, it is possible to write a will without hiring a lawyer, but it requires following specific legal requirements to ensure validity. The California Probate Code allows individuals to create a valid will either through a handwritten holographic will or a typed will with proper witnesses. While hiring an attorney can add clarity and…

In California, the rights of a wife after her husband’s death depend largely on how property is classified and whether the husband left a valid estate plan. California is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during marriage are generally shared equally by both spouses. When a husband dies, the wife is typically entitled to…

In California, many people assume that a will must be notarized to be legally valid. However, state law does not require notarization for a will to be enforceable. Instead, a will must meet specific requirements under the California Probate Code, which include being in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two…