Sadly forging a will in California probate and other probate court fraud does happen. No, I do not know of any specific situations but it happens. Sadly, the laws are sort of loose. For example, did you know you don’t need a death certificate to file for probate? Why is that?  It seems to me […]

The concept of the 90 day extensions and reverse mortgages in California probate is a common issue we deal with in our office.  As you likely know, if you are reading this blog post, a reverse mortgage is a way for a senior to borrow money against the equity in their home and not pay […]

What is a letter of intent with a reverse mortgage? I am asked this a lot as I run a statewide California probate law practice. A person has died, they had a reverse mortgage, and the reverse mortgage company has asked for a letter of intent. What should you do? First of all it’s important […]

The Purchase Agreement Probate Addendum (form-PAPA) is a relatively new form. I believe it was released for use in the middle of 2019.  A draft copy is available to see on the California Association of Realtors website here.  You can purchase a copy there as well even if you are not a licensed Realtor or […]

The headline catches your eye right!?  Could a billionaire die without a will!? Actually, reading the story again he was “only” worth an estimated $840 million at death!  Let me say right now if you have $840 million, or $84 million, or $8.4 million, or $840,000 I suggest you get a will and most likely […]

Are attorney fees in California probate based on the gross or net estate is a question I am often asked. The law is clear that it is the gross assets.  Let’s dive into this deeper though as attorney fees in probate should be understood if you are dealing with a California probate case. Please remember […]

I am frequently asked about selling used cars when there is no probate – i.e. when the car is the only asset or one of the only asset. However, today I want to talk about selling used cars during a California probate. First of all it’s important to remember that the personal representative has a […]

So this blog is basically covering two topics in one title – What’s wrong with a Willmaker will and ending up in California probate Court!? First I want to be clear there is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with a Willmaker will or a Susan Orman will or a Legal Zoom will or any other such […]

On, or about, October 15, 2020 a new probate was filed for the Chadwick Aaron Boseman estate in Los Angeles Superior Court.  I was talking about this case with a lawyer friend as it is interesting talking about any probates but especially one with a known decedent like a great actor.  As we like to […]

I often have clients or potential clients who come to me to discuss when to open probate when their parents, or other loved one’s, house is almost upside down.  That is, what’s enough equity to make it worthwhile to file for probate?  Upside down, or when the mortgage balance is higher than the value of […]