probate

What is Probate, and Why Do People Dislike It?

When a loved one passes away, the grief and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Navigating the legal complexities of the estate of the deceased can further exacerbate the stress during this time.

What is a Probate Bond?

California Probate Bonds Overview A probate bond is a court-required fiduciary bond that ensures estate administrators and executors carry out their duties responsibly during probate .

What is a Will?

In estate planning, a will stands as one of the fundamental legal instruments that allow individuals to dictate the distribution of their assets and designate guardians for their minor children in the event of their passing.

Common Estate Planning Myths and Misconceptions

By now you understand the problem with probate and the tools that solve it. This last lesson clears up the myths that cost California families the most money and stress.

Out of Trust Assets: Can They Avoid A Full Probate?

Creating a Trust Is Only the Beginning: Why Trust Funding Still Matters Many people, including attorneys, perpetuate the myth that once a trust is created, the entire act of estate planning is complete.

Can More Californians Say Goodbye To A Formal Probate?

Updated November 2026. AB 2016 raised the threshold for when Californians must go through a full, formal probate. It was signed into law and took effect on April 1, 2025.

When Your Personal Name Is Now Sensitive Information

Digital Advancements and Privacy Concerns Digital access has become the norm, transforming our daily lives in ways we once only dreamed of.

What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

When I begin discussing estate planning in a group, one question that inevitably arises is whether a Will is sufficient. Unless you’ve delved into this topic extensively or work with it regularly, the answer may not be immediately clear.

What Happens When You Die With $1 Billion, With No Estate Planning

Born in Urbana, Illinois to immigrant parents from Taiwan, this internet entrepreneur was successful by most standards from his youth.