Moravec Varga & Mooney

Short Answer A probate referee in California is a state-appointed certified appraiser responsible for determining the fair market value of an estate’s assets during the probate process. Their official valuations include real estate, personal property, investments, and other estate assets, ensuring that the court, heirs, creditors, and beneficiaries receive an accurate and complete inventory. Probate referees act with neutrality, credibility, and accountability under the Calif

Short Answer Probate advances (also called inheritance advances or probate cash advances) usually work like a sale of a portion of your future inheritance for upfront cash, so there are typically no monthly repayments and often no credit check. Probate loans are traditional borrowing money arrangements with a loan agreement, interest rates, repayment terms, and sometimes personal liability. Both can offer financial relief during the probate process, but they differ sharply in

Short Answer In California probate, full authority generally lets the personal representative (often the Executor) complete many transactions—especially probate sales—with more autonomy and less court supervision, usually by serving a Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA) and waiting through a 15-day window for objections. In contrast, limited authority usually requires probate court involvement (including a confirmation hearing) before the representative can accept an offer and f

Short Answer No, you do not inherit a deceased person’s debt in California . However, the estate may be required to repay creditors before you receive your inheritance, and in limited situations involving cosigned loans, joint credit card accounts, or marital debts in a community property state, you may face some degree of financial responsibility. A proper review of the estate, the debt, and California’s inheritance laws is essential. Introduction: Why Californians Fear “Deb

Short answer:  Yes, you can usually transfer a car without opening a probate case in California — if you follow the right steps. Vehicles are one of the few assets that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows to pass outside of formal probate when the estate meets certain criteria. The key is understanding whether the decedent’s total assets require probate and which transfer procedure applies. At Moravec, Varga & Mooney , we guide families through these tran

Introduction: California property tax law has always been complex, but few measures have reshaped the landscape as significantly as California Proposition 19. Originally passed in November 2020 and fully implemented in 2021, this constitutional amendment continues to affect homeowners, heirs, seniors, and families in 2026. At Moravec, Varga & Mooney, we guide families, retirees, and property owners through the intricacies of California property law, ensuring they make infor

If you're navigating the probate process in California, one of the key steps might be applying for an Employer Identification Number...

Introduction When a loved one passes away, the responsibility of managing their estate often falls upon the surviving spouse or...

When financial instability strikes, it often leads to difficult decisions and complex court proceedings. Whether it's a bankruptcy or a...

📌 Quick Answer: In California, probate funds are typically distributed 9 to 18 months after probate begins. Distribution can only...

When someone passes away, their estate becomes the legal entity responsible for handling everything they owned and owed. But who exactly...

When a loved one passes away, their home is often one of the most significant and emotionally valuable assets in their estate. In...

California probate court handles some of life’s most sensitive legal matters—disputes over wills, trusts, and the administration of...

Appealing a probate court decision in California is not easy—and it’s not without risk. If you’ve filed an appeal in a trust or estate...

California’s Probate Code contains numerous provisions that affect how estates are administered and how creditors may or may not recover...