Most people assume probate is just a routine legal process that takes a little time and paperwork. But what many families don’t realize is that probate can be surprisingly expensive—and those costs often reduce the size of the inheritance beneficiaries ultimately receive. Even in a straightforward case, probate fees can quickly add up. And when...
When someone passes away, most families expect to receive their inheritance within a few months. The reality is very different. Probate—the legal process of validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets—often takes far longer than beneficiaries anticipate. In many states, even a simple probate can last 9–18 months, and complicated cases can stretch into multiple years....
For many beneficiaries in California, waiting for probate to close feels like being stuck in limbo. Bills pile up, opportunities pass by, and financial stress grows while the inheritance you’re entitled to remains tied up in court. That’s where an inheritance advance comes in. But once you receive your advance, the next question is: How do...
If you’re a beneficiary in California, you may already know that probate can feel overwhelming. There are court filings, legal requirements, deadlines, and expenses that can stretch the process out for months or even years. Having a probate attorney guide the process is a huge help—but as a beneficiary, you also need to know what...
When a loved one passes away, families are already coping with grief. Unfortunately, the probate process in California often adds layers of frustration, delay, and financial strain. Beneficiaries expecting their inheritance quickly are often surprised to learn that probate can take a year or longer. For many, the waiting period becomes not just a legal...
If you’re a beneficiary waiting on your inheritance in California, you’ve probably asked the question: “How long will this take?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always simple. Probate is a legal process that ensures debts are paid, assets are accounted for, and distributions are made correctly. While necessary, it often moves much slower than families expect. The good...
When you’re waiting on an inheritance, one of the biggest questions is how much of it you’ll actually receive. Probate can be a long process in California, and many heirs don’t realize that estate taxes and related costs can impact the final distribution. While California doesn’t impose its own inheritance tax, there are still important...
One of the biggest surprises families face after losing a loved one is discovering that there’s no will in place. In California, when someone passes away without a will, their estate must go through a process called intestate succession. This means the court decides who inherits what, based on state law. For beneficiaries, this can feel...
When a loved one passes away, emotions run high—and unfortunately, money can sometimes bring out the worst in families. In California probate, it’s not uncommon for siblings or family members to clash over how an estate is being managed. If you suspect that your sibling, acting as executor or trustee, is mishandling the estate, it’s...
When families think about probate, they often picture a straightforward process where the court confirms the will and distributes assets. But in reality, probate in California can be expensive—and those costs often come as a surprise to beneficiaries. Between court fees, attorney expenses, and appraisal costs, probate can eat into the value of the estate....