Moravec Varga & Mooney

California probate court handles some of life’s most sensitive legal matters—disputes over wills, trusts, and the administration of estates. But what if you believe the probate judge made a legal mistake or issued an unfair ruling? Yes, you can appeal a probate court decision in California, but it’s a complex and time-sensitive process. This post outlines when and how probate appeals work, what issues can be appealed, and what to expect if you decide to move forward. What Is

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 case and the appellate court rules against you, you may be wondering: What happens now? Losing a probate appeal can have serious consequences, both financial and legal. In this post, we’ll break down what it means to lose a probate appeal, what comes next, and what options may still be available. First: What Is a Probate Appeal? A probate appe

If you’re involved in a California real estate or probate dispute, you may encounter a legal term that can cloud title and block...

California’s Probate Code contains numerous provisions that affect how estates are administered and how creditors may or may not recover debts. One such provision, Probate Code § 733.814, governs the liability of beneficiaries and heirs for debts of the decedent—especially when estate assets have already been distributed. In this blog, we explain what is Probate Code Section 733.814 means, when it applies, and why it matters for both beneficiaries and creditors. What Does Pro

When someone passes away, their trust may include a wide range of assets, including publicly traded stocks, mutual funds, or private...

When a loved one creates a trust, they expect the trustee to carry out their wishes and manage the trust responsibly. Unfortunately, not...

If you’ve recently inherited real estate or other assets in California, one of the first legal and financial terms you’ll hear is “fair...

When dealing with real estate—whether buying, inheriting, or transferring—it’s essential to understand what legal documents actually prove ownership . One of the most common points of confusion is the deed of trust . Many people assume it shows who owns the property, but that's not the case. So, what exactly is a deed of trust—and does it prove ownership? Let's clear up the confusion. 🧾 What Is a Deed of Trust? In California and many other states, a deed of trust is used in

When setting up a living trust in California, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a trustee —the person (or...

Planning ahead for medical decisions is a smart part of any California estate plan. One of the most important tools is a Durable Power of...

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a powerful estate planning tool in California that allows someone you trust to act on your behalf in legal, financial, or health care matters. But what happens if the person holding that power is no longer the right choice, or begins acting against your best interests? Let’s explore who can override or revoke a Power of Attorney in California, and under what circumstances. What Is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney is a legal document where

A living trust is one of the most powerful tools in California estate planning. It allows you to maintain control over your assets...

If you’ve already created a will in California but need to make changes, you may be wondering: Do I need a brand-new will, or can I use a codicil? More importantly, how much will a codicil cost? A codicil is a legal amendment to a will—ideal for minor updates like changing your executor or adding a new beneficiary. But while it may seem simpler than redrafting an entire will, it's still a legal document that must meet California’s formal requirements to be valid. Here’s what

When planning for the future, most Californians are familiar with wills and trusts, but fewer give proper attention to their living will...

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most delicate and important considerations is how to provide for a disabled child or heir....