Lafayette Estate Litigation Blog
3 tactics for reducing inheritance conflict
Estate planning is something that involves careful consideration, and even if you take your time navigating the process, you run the risk of someone not being happy about how you decide to distribute your assets. If, for example, you choose to leave your children...
Can you keep your children from claiming undue influence?
One of the ways that family members often raise disputes after a death in the family is by claiming undue influence. Regardless of what you want, some people may come forward and say they know your intentions better than you do out of greed. Fortunately, you can...
Inheritance, fairness and children
For parents, the estate planning process often presents special concerns when it comes to children, especially for those who worry about fairness. For example, parents who have multiple children sometimes face uncertainty over how to distribute their assets. Most...
Naming an estate executor
When a resident of California dies, all the decedent’s possessions, including physical property, bank accounts and financial holdings, become part of his or her estate. Those who create a will before death choose beneficiaries of the estate and how to distribute...
Suspecting an executor’s misuse of power
The role of the executor is to carry out the wishes of the deceased. The designated person must ensure that she or he fulfills the will's specifications and that all rightful parties receive the property and possessions that the deceased willed to them. If a person...
How executors can better communicate to beneficiaries
Communicating with beneficiaries is a task many estate executors must handle. Intended beneficiaries to an estate will want to know that the executor is handling their inheritance in a competent and honest fashion. But if a California executor does not properly...
Marriage loophole closed in probate code amendment
A dependent adult in California must often rely on a caregiver to supply basic needs. While some people move into a nursing home, others are able to remain at home with a care custodian. The Record-Bee reports that California Probate Code has protections in place...
What happens during probate?
Before an estate can be distributed to heirs, the will must first pass through probate. This is the process of proving a will is authentic and free of undue influence. It also ensures creditors still owed money are paid, with the remainder of the estate passing to...
Handling will disputes as an executor
When a family member names you as the executor of his or her estate, you have a responsibility to act in accordance with his or her wishes and California state law. But what happens when a dispute arises among two or more beneficiaries? Take these steps to manage...
What are some of the common financial scams against the elderly?
The fact that some people will deliberately target senior citizens in financial scams may seem shocking and unbelievable to you. Only those who are especially malicious and depraved would try to fraudulently separate elderly people from their money, you may think....
