In California, keeping the original copy of a will is a critical step in estate planning, as the probate court requires the original document to validate and administer the estate. Photocopies or digital versions are generally not accepted unless the original can be explained as lost or destroyed, which can lead to costly delays and…

In California, probate is initiated when someone files a petition with the Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death. This filing begins the formal legal process of settling the estate. The person who takes the responsibility of filing the petition is often the executor named in the will….

In California, when a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. These laws, found in the California Probate Code, determine who inherits based on the deceased’s closest surviving relatives. The absence of a will means that the decedent’s personal wishes are not considered, and the court follows…

In California, the personal representative plays a central role in managing a deceased person’s estate. This individual, appointed by the probate court, is responsible for ensuring that the decedent’s assets are collected, debts are paid, and property is distributed to rightful heirs or beneficiaries. Depending on whether there is a will, the personal representative may…

In California, failing to file probate after someone passes away can have serious legal and financial consequences. Probate is the process by which the court validates a will, ensures debts are paid, and oversees the distribution of assets. When probate is not filed, heirs may be unable to access property, creditors may take aggressive action,…

In California, a probate hearing is the court proceeding where a judge reviews and approves the initial steps of administering a deceased person’s estate. The hearing is generally scheduled after someone files a petition for probate, which includes presenting the will if one exists or requesting authority to manage the estate if there is no…