As people age, they often become more comfortable talking about death. Older adults may occasionally talk to their loved ones about their eventual passing. They may tell their children what they intend to do with their largest assets or the resources that carry the...
People file lawsuits for a number of different reasons. Legal matters handled in probate court often relate to the estate of a person who died or trust administration. Frequently, the probate courts primarily offer support and oversight. However, they also sometimes...
Serving as a trustee is a responsibility that can last for years. The trustee named by the person who created and funded the trust has to oversee the management of trust resources and the distribution of those assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the trust...
Title holders—those who legally own property—can be vulnerable to a range of fraudulent or deceptive practices, especially in areas like Southern California, where real estate values are often particularly high. Whether a title holder is a long-time homeowner, an...
Title records provide a history of ownership. They are a way for the government to help guarantee an individual's property rights. Documents filed with the county recorder's office can protect the rights of an individual, married couple, trust or business. Outside...
It’s not uncommon for disputes to arise over a last will and testament among the family members of a deceased. This is particularly expected if family members suspect the deceased lacked the mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding their estate. Proving a...
Creditors have several options at their disposal to recover past-due balances on accounts. These include things like getting the debtor to agree to a payment plan or going through the court to have a paycheck garnished. But, those collections stop when the debtor...
When someone dies, their financial obligations do not simply cease to exist. Their debts become the responsibility of their estate. Any assets they have become the property of their estate. The personal representative administering the estate typically has to notify...
In many ways, digital technology has made home closings easier than ever before. If there are mistakes with the closing paperwork, it may only take a few minutes for professionals to adjust the documents and get corrected versions over to the right parties. It is...
People who owe significant debts may spend years of their lives repaying what they owe. Creditors have to balance the desire for prompt repayment with the need to allow debtors to fulfill their other financial obligations. In some cases, people who owe money may die...