Moravec Varga & Mooney

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...

Being named the executor  of a will is an honor—an expression of trust by someone who believed in your ability to manage their final...

Beginning April 1, 2025 , California law makes it easier for heirs to transfer ownership of a deceased person’s real property— without going through full probate . Thanks to changes introduced under Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016) , the Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property under Probate Code §13151  will apply to estates with significantly higher property value limits . Here’s how this updated process works and how you can use it to claim real estate without the tim

When a loved one passes away, the grieving process is often accompanied by a long list of legal and financial responsibilities—one of the...