Our Probate Library Articles

Our legal library contains a wealth of helpful information to help people complete the California probate process. Browse through our articles to learn about estate administration topics such as your duties as an executor, how to legally distribute assets to heirs, and how to pay taxes in accordance with the law.

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How a Small Estate Affidavit Could Relieve the Rigors of Formal Probate
While a small estate affidavit could negate the need for formal probate in its entirety, not every California estate will qualify for an informal succession.
When to Consider Small Estate Administration
A small estate affidavit could help your family avoid the worst of probate. Our California attorneys explain how to avoid this time-consuming process.
An Overview of California’s Probate Courts
California’s probate courts broadly oversee the administration of estates and trusts, as well as guardianship and conservatorship petitions.
Valuing and Appraising Items in California Probate
While not all estate assets need to be valuated, some require the input of a probate referee or expert appraiser. Our California lawyers can help.
How to Probate the Estate of a Missing Person in California
Before you can initiate probate proceedings for a missing person’s estate, you will need to demonstrate that they are most likely deceased. Learn more here.
When a Beneficiary Dies Before the Person Who Made the Will
If a beneficiary dies before you do, the court will follow special legal procedures to determine how to best distribute your remaining estate. Learn more here.
A Glossary of Important California Probate Terms
If you are beginning probate, here are some of the most common and important California probate terms you are likely to encounter in court.
What to Know About Inventorying an Estate in California
If you have been appointed the representative of a California estate, inventorying the decedent’s assets is among your most important responsibilities.
Settling Debt on a California Estate
Whenever someone dies and leaves behind an estate in California, there’s the possibility creditors could make claims on the inheritance.
An Overview of California’s Probate Process
If you’ve been made a custodian of a will or representative of an estate, you need to know California’s deadlines and expectations for probate. Learn more here.
Marshalling and Managing Estate Assets
When you’ve been entrusted to manage an estate, you must gather all the deceased’s properties and create an inventory and appraise their value.

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