Moravec Varga & Mooney

When a loved one passes away, one of the first financial concerns for their family is gaining access to their bank accounts. The question many people ask is: "If the bank account has a named beneficiary, does it still have to go through probate?" In most cases, bank accounts with named beneficiaries can avoid probate entirely—but there are important exceptions and conditions to understand. What Is a Beneficiary Designation on a Bank Account A beneficiary designation (also cal

When it comes to avoiding probate in California, not all assets are created equal. Some account types and ownership structures allow assets to pass directly to beneficiaries, while others can get tied up in the court system. Three popular tools used to sidestep probate are: Payable-on-Death (POD) Accounts Revocable Living Trusts Joint Accounts with Right of Survivorship Each method has pros, cons, and best-use scenarios. Here’s how they compare. 1. Payable-on-Death (POD) Acco

When someone passes away in California, their estate may need to go through probate—a court-supervised process of distributing assets to heirs and settling debts. However, not all assets are subject to probate. In fact, many assets can transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, saving time, money, and stress. So, what assets are exempt from probate in California? Let’s break it down. Why It Matters Understanding what assets are exempt from probate can help

When creating an estate plan, one of the most powerful and flexible tools available is the grantor trust . Whether you're looking to...

Sibling disputes over inheritance can tear families apart, often years after a loved one passes away. These conflicts are not just...

No matter how financially responsible you are, life can throw unexpected curveballs—lawsuits, medical bills, business disputes, or...

When it comes to protecting your assets from lawsuits or creditors in California, two of the most talked-about strategies are Domestic...

Estate planning is a crucial process to ensure that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your passing....

A life estate is a unique type of property ownership that allows an individual (the life tenant ) to retain the right to use and live in...

Estate planning is crucial for ensuring that one’s assets are distributed according to personal wishes and that potential legal disputes are minimized. However, several high-profile celebrities have passed away without proper estate plans, leading to prolonged legal battles and unintended consequences. Top 15 Famous Celebrities Who Died Without an Estate Plan 1. Prince The legendary musician Prince died in 2016 without a will. His estate, valued at an estimated $300 million,

Here’s a look at the most common elements of estate planning and what each may cost: 1. Will A will is a foundational document that...

Estate planning involves a variety of strategies to protect and transfer wealth to loved ones, and one often-overlooked tool is...

Discussing estate planning with family members can feel uncomfortable, even daunting. Conversations about wills, trusts, and end-of-life...

Estate planning is essential for protecting your assets, ensuring your wishes are honored, and providing for your loved ones in the...

Estate planning involves various costs, including legal fees, financial advice, and administrative expenses. If you’re creating or updating an estate plan in California, you may wonder if these fees are tax-deductible. While tax laws on deductibility have changed in recent years, there are still some situations where you may be able to claim certain estate planning expenses. Here’s a guide to understanding if and when estate planning fees are deductible in California. Are Est