Each year people plan their new year’s resolutions and each year, for many people, “get will done” is on the list. Another year has passed and, for many of us, that is one more year without a proper estate plan in place. Please talk to an experienced attorney and get your estate in order. For most people, with assets such
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Another California celebrity dies without a will – Coolio
As an old school rap aficionado myself I was saddened to hear that Coolio had passed. He had a couple of big songs so wasn’t a one hit wonder. However, maybe a two hit wonder!? In any event, I liked his music and was bummed to see of his death. Even more bummed to see that yet another California celebrity…
Probate for people who died after moving from California
I don’t think I am telling you anything you don’t already know. People are moving out of California. This post is not about that phenomenon or the political ramifications or reasons. This post is focused on what do you do if a loved one moved out of California and then died. So let’s talk about this….
The first issue is…
Where to file probate for a California bank account?
The question of where to file probate for a California bank account, when the person who died lived in another state or country, brings into play what are called the ancillary probate rules. Ancillary probate essentially means there are assets in two “states” and by state that could include a foreign nation.
In cases where there is real estate in…
Why are many attorneys so slow?
I ask the question why are many attorneys so slow but really the question for today is why are some California probate attorneys so slow… and the converse… why are we SO EFFICIENT?
I have heard countless times over the year compliments such as:
“you are so efficient”
“you always get back to me so fast”
“I never thought an…
Ancillary probate and property taxes in California
I selected the topic of Ancillary probate and property taxes in California because it’s a common discussion in my office and much more so since the passage of Prop 19 in California. Prop 19 ripped the heart out of the parent to child transfer laws in California. The old rules made it relatively easy for a family, whether living in…
House appreciation and probate costs
Many people are unsure and unaware how attorney fees and court costs work in a California probate case. With amazing house appreciation the last 10 years I wanted to talk a little bit about how house appreciation and probate costs work.
This came to mind as I am working on a new matter where the decedent bought her home in…
Twenty-four things dying people wished they had done differently

Twenty-four things dying people wished they had done differently are listed below. What about you? Are you living your best life? Are you saving money to benefit your kids in the future? Will your kids have to go through probate? Focus on what really matters!
. I wish I had the courage to just be myself.
. I wish I…
How do you lodge a will in a California probate?
People are often confused on this one. How do you lodge a will in a California probate? Many people, over the years, have asked if you file the will with the county clerk or with the county recorder. The correct answer is you lodge a will with the California Superior Court in the county of residence of the decedent.
So…
California small estate probate – NEW FORM DE-300
As of April 1, 2022 (and no this is not an April Fools joke) the small estate limits have been changed in California. They have been increased FOR DEATHS OCCURING ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 2022. The limits for death prior to April 1, 2022 remain the same.
The new limit for small estate affidavits and petition for succession to…