Moravec Varga & Mooney

Probate in California can feel like a long and frustrating waiting game. With an average duration of 9 to 18 months, families often find themselves stuck in limbo, unable to access estate funds, sell property, or move forward after a loved one’s passing. The good news? While you can’t eliminate probate entirely (unless proper planning was done before death), there are ways to speed up the California probate process. Here’s how. How to Speed Up the Probate Process 1. File the

As we age—or care for aging loved ones—the legal and financial issues we face become more complex. From long-term care planning to...

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

Understanding the distinction between probate and non-probate assets is crucial for effective estate planning. This knowledge can help ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and can assist in minimizing the time and costs associated with the probate process. What Are Probate Assets? Probate assets are those owned solely by the deceased individual without a designated beneficiary or a form of ownership that dictates automatic transfer upon death. These ass

When a loved one passes away, navigating the legal process of settling their estate can feel overwhelming, especially if the estate must go through California probate. One of the most important decisions you’ll make during this process is choosing the right California probate attorney to guide you. To help you make an informed decision, here are the top 10 questions you should ask before hiring a probate lawyer in California. 1. Do You Specialize in California Probate Law? Pr

A pour-over will and a living trust are two pivotal components of a comprehensive estate plan. When used together, they ensure that...

Disinheriting a child is one of the most emotionally difficult—and legally sensitive—decisions a parent can make. In California, where...

Setting up a revocable living trust is one of the most effective ways to avoid California probate and ensure a smooth transition of...

When a parent passes away, emotions often run high—and one of the most sensitive issues can be how to divide the estate among siblings....

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself or a loved one from unwanted court intervention or abuse is through careful estate planning. In California, a power of attorney (POA) can serve as a critical safeguard, especially when it comes to preventing guardianship or conservatorship abuse. But how exactly does a power of attorney prevent guardianship abuse? What Is Guardianship (Conservatorship) in California? In California, the term “conservatorship” is used for adult

Creating a revocable living trust is one of the most effective ways to protect your assets, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes are...

When someone creates a will, one of the most common questions that follows is: Who should keep the original copy? In California, the...

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

When someone updates their estate plan, a common question arises: Does a new will automatically cancel out the old one? In California,...

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