Moravec Varga & Mooney

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,...

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

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...

When a loved one dies, gaining access to their financial accounts can feel overwhelming—especially if you want to avoid the time and cost of formal probate. Fortunately, some bank accounts in California can be claimed without going through probate, depending on how they’re structured and the total value of the estate. Here’s what you need to know to claim a deceased person’s bank account without probate. 1. Check If the Account Has a Payable-on-Death (POD) Beneficiary Many ba

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 a loved one passes away, one of the first financial concerns for their family is gaining access to their bank accounts. The question many people ask is: "If the bank account has a named beneficiary, does it still have to go through probate?" In most cases, bank accounts with named beneficiaries can avoid probate entirely—but there are important exceptions and conditions to understand. What Is a Beneficiary Designation on a Bank Account A beneficiary designation (also cal

When it comes to avoiding probate in California, not all assets are created equal. Some account types and ownership structures allow assets to pass directly to beneficiaries, while others can get tied up in the court system. Three popular tools used to sidestep probate are: Payable-on-Death (POD) Accounts Revocable Living Trusts Joint Accounts with Right of Survivorship Each method has pros, cons, and best-use scenarios. Here’s how they compare. 1. Payable-on-Death (POD) Acco