Probate proceedings require diligence and careful oversight. That is one reason why people often take great care to choose someone they trust to act as their personal representative. It is also one reason why estates with valuable property or no testamentary...
Bay Area Estate And Tax Planning Law Firm
Probate And Estate Administration
How to prepare yourself for fiduciary duties in California
Taking on fiduciary duties in California requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of your responsibilities. Whether you are a trustee, executor or corporate officer, you must act in the best interests of those you serve. Here is how to get ready for this...
Estate executors cannot do whatever they want
When a loved one passes away, the executor of their estate takes care of the assets, pays off debts and distributes property according to their wishes. While executors have important responsibilities, they do not possess unlimited authority. Most probate laws require...
Understanding the fiduciary duty of loyalty in estate planning
The concept of fiduciary duty of loyalty plays a crucial role in estate planning. Whether you are creating an estate plan or a fiduciary in someone else's plan, understanding this principle is essential. Knowing what it means and what it entails may help you carry out...
What are valid reasons to remove an executor?
When drafting a will, appointing an executor can benefit surviving family members and heirs. An executor has a vital role in managing the decedent’s estate, paying off debts and distributing the assets based on what the will says. Most of the time, having someone...
The responsibilities of a trustee
California trustees have a fiduciary relationship with the trust's beneficiaries. In other words, they are legally responsible for acting on their behalf, not their own. While doctors and lawyers also have a fiduciary responsibility to their patients and clients, a...
What fiduciary duties does an executor have in California?
Estate planning is a helpful way for those in California to put plans in motion that will ensure their loved ones are cared for when they are gone. A properly established estate helps ensure you pay your debts while leaving behind assets to your beneficiaries....
The purpose of a probate bond in California
If you are appointed to administer an estate by the probate court in California or have been named as an executor, you might be required to post a probate bond. Being bonded is a common requirement to protect the estate's beneficiaries and heirs. What is a probate...
When to get an advance directive in California
Advance directives are an important estate planning tool for California residents. They allow you to give instructions for how your health should be handled if you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. Many residents hesitate to create an advance directive before...
How to avoid mistakes when filing a California small estate affidavit
One way to quickly and efficiently transfer inherited property in California is by using the state's small estate affidavit. If you are the heir to a loved one's estate, it’s best to begin filing such an affidavit as soon as possible. Small estates This affidavit was...