Newport Beach Business, Real Estate and Probate Law Blog
What do you do if assets are missing from a loved one’s estate?
When your loved one’s estate is missing assets, it could be a sign that they were taken advantage of or that someone has been stealing. It’s just a fact that some people will do anything they can to take from someone else who is unable to protect their assets or who...
You can potentially go to court to address title defects
Whether you purchase or inherit a property, it could come with issues on its title that impact your ownership rights. Someone else's name or a lien are common defects. Typically, such issues get addressed when a title insurance company produces a policy on the...
Tips for successfully contesting a will
If you have recently lost a loved one, you'll undoubtedly be going through a difficult time coming to terms with your loss. In addition to this emotional process, you may have a lot on your to-do list with regard to ensuring that your loved one's last wishes are...
Title issues are more common than most believe
Generally speaking, a title to an asset, such as real estate or a motor vehicle, outlines the people who own the property. For example, when you purchase a home, you’re issued a title to state that you’re the new owner. Just the same, other transfers, such as those...
Challenging a will: There are many reasons this happens
When creating an estate plan, you should think about the steps you can take to help prevent a will contest in the future. You assume that this will never happen, but it’s hard to say if someone will become so upset that they take this legal action. While challenging a...
What happens when people steal from a testator before death?
Once someone dies, the executor of the estate assumes control and authority over their assets until they complete the probate process. The executor has a responsibility to pay outstanding debts, close accounts held by the deceased individual and distribute assets...
Common title defects to watch for—and what to do about them
Title issues can occur in just about any real estate transaction. Although many title issues do not take a lot of effort to resolve, others prove time-consuming and expensive headaches. You can go a long way toward avoiding title defects or resolving them faster if...
4 Tips to prevent someone from contesting your will
The death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time for families. Grief aside, a family member may decide they are unhappy with what they do – or don’t – receive from an estate and choose to contest the will. Will contests can extend for years, preventing all...
Do you suspect undue influence in your parent’s estate plan?
Your parent is elderly, and they have created an estate plan to pass on their assets and property to the next generation. However, you have a bad feeling about the situation that you cannot quite put your finger on. You worry that someone has manipulated your parents...
Challenging a will
It is very common for a person to challenge the validity of a will. This usually arises when the contesting party believes that there have been some discrepancies in the makings of the will. It is important for everyone to know what it takes to dispute the veracity of...