Moravec Varga & Mooney

we’ll walk through the details of AB 2016, explain the updated exemption amounts, and discuss.

The California probate process can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with legal proceedings. One of the most important steps in administering a decedent’s estate is attending probate court hearings. If you’ve been named as an executor, administrator, or if you’re a beneficiary, it’s essential to understand what happens during these hearings and what you can expect. In this blog post, we’ll cover the key aspects of a California probate court hearing, including who m

Probate can be a long, expensive, and time-consuming process. In California, probate can take anywhere from 9 months to over a year and can cost the estate a significant amount in legal fees and court costs. For these reasons, many people look for ways to avoid probate altogether, ensuring that their assets pass directly to their heirs without court intervention. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most effective strategies for avoiding probate in California, including setti

The probate process in California can seem overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with its many steps. Whether you are an executor, administrator, or beneficiary, understanding the process is crucial to navigating it successfully. While probate is designed to settle a deceased person’s estate and distribute their assets, it involves court supervision, legal paperwork, and potential delays. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through each stage of the Californi

Probate can be a complicated process under the best circumstances, but when executors or heirs are located out of state, the complexity can increase significantly. Distance, time zone differences, and the logistical challenges of managing estate matters from afar can add layers of difficulty to an already intricate process. However, with careful planning and understanding of the legal requirements, probate with out-of-state executors and heirs can be managed smoothly. In this

Probate in California can be a lengthy and complex process, and one of the key concerns for executors and beneficiaries alike is how taxes will impact the estate. Whether you are handling probate as an executor or a beneficiary waiting for an inheritance, understanding the tax implications of probate is essential to avoid surprises and ensure a smooth process. This blog post explores the different types of taxes that may apply during probate in California, how they affect the

When someone passes away in California and leaves behind a will, the probate process ensures that their estate is properly administered and their final wishes are carried out. One of the most crucial roles in this process is that of the executor. The executor is the individual or entity named in the will to manage and oversee the decedent’s estate, ensuring that assets are distributed, debts are paid, and legal requirements are met. If you’ve been named an executor, you may f

Filing the Petition for Probate (DE-111) is the first critical step in opening a probate case in California. As the executor or personal representative of a deceased person’s estate, you will need to complete this form to request formal court approval to administer the estate. This form informs the court about the decedent, their estate, and the individual seeking to manage the estate’s administration. In this post, we’ll walk through each section of the DE-111 form, providin

If you have been named as the executor of an estate in California, you are entrusted with a significant responsibility: overseeing the distribution of assets, paying debts, and ensuring that the decedent’s final wishes are carried out. While probate is a necessary legal process for most estates, it can be complex and time-consuming, especially given California’s specific probate rules and procedures. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of the probate process in Calif

As of 2026, California continues to refine its probate laws to streamline the process and ensure the fair distribution of a deceased person's assets. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone involved in estate planning or managing the estate of a deceased loved one. This blog will cover the key aspects of California's probate process for 2026, including the probate threshold, the role of the probate court, intestate succession, spousal inheritance, and escheatment. 1

Losing a parent is a deeply emotional experience, and dealing with the legal aftermath can add to the stress. If your parent died with a...

When a loved one passes away, one of the first questions that may arise is who is entitled to see their will. In California, the rules...

When a loved one passes away without a will or without naming an executor, the administration of their estate falls to the California...

When a husband and wife pass away together, the question of who inherits their community property becomes complex, especially under...

In California, mobile homeowners have the option to transfer ownership of their mobile home to a beneficiary upon their death without the need for probate. This process is facilitated through a Transfer on Death (TOD) deed, a tool that simplifies the transfer of property and avoids the lengthy and costly probate process. This blog will explore what you need to know about California mobile home transfer-on-death deeds, including how they work, their benefits, and the steps to