Moravec Varga & Mooney

When a loved one dies, gaining access to their financial accounts can feel overwhelming—especially if you want to avoid the time and cost...

When a loved one passes away in California, and they leave behind a bank account in their name only, you may be able to claim the funds...

When someone passes away and their estate enters probate, the court often requires the personal representative (executor or...

Effective April 1, 2025, California's Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016) brings significant changes to the state's probate laws, particularly affecting small estates and primary residences. These adjustments aim to streamline the estate administration process for many Californians. There is no general increase to California's small estate probate threshold set for January 1, 2026. Key Changes Under AB 2016 1. Increased Threshold for Small Estate Affidavit The small estate affidavit

When someone dies in California and leaves behind property, debts, or a will, their estate may need to go through probate —a legal...

After a loved one passes away, one of the first legal questions their family often asks is: "Do we need to go through probate?"  In...

When a loved one passes away in California, one of the first questions families often face is: “Where is the original will?”  If all you...

Probate in California can feel like a long and frustrating waiting game. With an average duration of 9 to 18 months , families often find...

Understanding the distinction between probate and non-probate assets is crucial for effective estate planning. This knowledge can help...

If you’ve recently lost a loved one and are wondering how to manage their estate, you may be relieved to learn that California probate offers a simplified process for certain small estates. This can save time, money, and stress—especially during a difficult emotional period. Here’s a straightforward guide to understanding and handling a small estate probate in California . What Is a “Small Estate” Under California Law? In California, an estate qualifies as “small” if the tot

The probate process in California can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re confronted with unfamiliar legal terminology....

Navigating the probate process for a California home encumbered by a reverse mortgage presents unique challenges for heirs and estate...

In California, once a will has been admitted to probate, it is still possible to contest its validity; however, such challenges are...

In California, probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s will is validated, and their assets are distributed...

As an executor in California, managing an estate through probate can be both time-consuming and costly. However, there are several...