Can I File for Probate Myself? Your Santa Clara County Probate Guide

Facing the probate process can be daunting, and you might wonder if you can handle it yourself. While it’s true that anyone can file for probate independently, there’s much more to it than just filling out forms. If you’re in Santa Clara County and probate is on your horizon, here’s why partnering with a knowledgeable […]

Navigating Santa Clara County Probate: Becoming the Executor When There’s No Will

Losing a loved one is a challenging experience, and it becomes more complex when they pass away without a will. In such situations, you might find yourself needing to step up as the personal representative to manage their estate. This task can be daunting, especially in the absence of a will, and often requires the […]

Understanding Estate Debts and Life Insurance: Insights from a Santa Clara Probate Attorney

As an experienced Santa Clara probate attorney, I often receive questions from clients about the relationship between life insurance proceeds and estate debts. Many beneficiaries are uncertain about whether they are obliged to use life insurance proceeds to cover the decedent’s debts. Here, I’ll delve into this issue, providing clear, easy-to-understand insights. Life Insurance Proceeds: […]

Santa Clara Probate Lawyer on The Benefits of Working With “Death Doula”

A death doula, also referred to as an end-of-life doula, guides a person who is transitioning to death and assists their loved ones, according to the International End of Life Doula Association. “Doula” is a Greek word that reentered the modern vocabulary when non-medical support people began assisting at births. Just as birth is a […]

Can I Choose Not to Have a Funeral? | Santa Clara Estate and Probate Lawyers

A funeral is a traditional method of honoring a person’s life after death. However, some people don’t feel comfortable having one. Choosing not to have a funeral is entirely acceptable. Your loved ones don’t have to attend the sad event if you want to spare them the burden. If you don’t have a funeral, other […]

Bay Area Estate Lawyer Addresses Common Myths About Santa Clara County Probate

After the loss of a loved one, you will likely have to go through a legal process called probate to administer his or her estate. It can be overwhelming and intimidating, as you may not initially know who to contact, what’s required of you, or how the process works in general.  There are also a […]

Santa Clara Probate Attorneys Answer, “What Rights Do Creditors Have Against an Estate?”

When a decedent leaves behind unpaid debts, creditors have certain rights when it comes to reclaiming those debts. However, a creditor’s ability to enforce their rights could be significantly limited if they fail to enter their claim within the appropriate time frame. A creditor who enters a claim too late may lose the opportunity to […]

8 Steps to Close Out a Loved One’s Estate

The holiday season is often a time of great joy and the chance to gather with loved ones.  Yet for many families, it can also be a time of loss.  In our years of practice, we’ve found that more people pass away during the holidays than at any other time of the year.  Losing a […]

How Long Does It Take to Go Through Probate in Santa Clara County?

The process of settling an estate can take months to years, and the length of time for probate in Santa Clara County can vary drastically, depending on factors such as whether a will is in place and the complexity of the estate. Sometimes the probate process takes only nine months or so, but some cases […]

What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will? Introduction to California’s Intestacy Law.

Dying intestate, or without a will, is unfortunately very common. If you die without a will, your property will go through a court process called probate and will ultimately be distributed according to California’s intestacy laws. Here are some common events that may happen if you die intestate: Your immediate next of kin, whoever they […]

Next Page »
Download These
Free Reports by
Attorney
Gary Brainin

Seven Steps to Handling Your Loved One's

Surviving The Sandwhiched Years

Get The Government To Pay For Your Long-Term Care

Hope For Caregivers: ABCs of Long-Term Care and Legal Planning

  • American Academy

     

    reviewus