"This Action Guide provides step-by-step instructions for handling a probate, from gathering the decedent's assets to discharging debts and liabilities and distributing the remaining assets. The guide does not include an extensive discussion of preparing the accounting (see Handling a Fiduciary Accounting (Cal CEB Action Guide November 2008); California Decedent Estate Practice, chaps 24 and 31 (2d ed Cal CEB 2009); California Probate Workflow Manual Revised (rev ed Cal CEB 1989)), nor does it address procedures for transferring nonprobate property (see Transferring Property Without Probate (Cal CEB Action Guide September 2008). Except for pointing out estate and income tax issues that must be considered, this Action Guide does not include information about preparing estate and income tax returns (see Decedent Estate Prac, chaps 33-34, for more in-depth discussion of estate taxation and income taxation of estates)."--Scope of guide, t.p. verso

Details step-by-step instructions for handling a probate, from collecting estate assets to distributing the estate. Includes judicial perspectives throughout. -- from publisher.

Handle the California probate process, from deciphering a will to tackling taxes If you need to wrap up the affairs of a deceased family member or friend in California, you may find yourself wading through the process of probate. But did you know? You can save big on attorney fees by handling the probate process yourself. How to Probate an Estate in California is the only book that provides all the forms, tips and step-by-step instructions you'll need to settle a loved one's estate -- all written in plain English. You may even be able to handle the whole process by mail without setting foot in the courthouse! With this easy-to-read guide, you'll learn how to: . read a will . determine who inherits property if there is no will . handle probate paperwork . collect life insurance and other benefits . transfer community property to a surviving spouse or domestic partner . pay bills and taxes . distribute property left through trusts Even if you hire a lawyer to do the probate paperwork, this book demystifies the the process so that you can make informed decisions and communicate intelligently with the attorney about the estate -- and save cash in the process. Why spend over $13,000 on a lawyer to probate a $500,000 estate, when you can do almost all of it on your own? This edition contains important legal and tax updates, as well as newly updated probate forms. Nolo has dozens of products created just for California residents.

If you need to wrap up the affairs of a deceased family member or friend in California, you can save big on attorney fees by handling many aspects of the probate process yourself. How to Probate an Estate in California is the only book that provides forms, tips, and step-by-step instructions for settling a loved one's estate—all written in plain English. You might even be able to handle the whole process without hiring a lawyer or setting foot in the courthouse. With this easy-to-follow guide, you'll learn how to: read a will determine who inherits property if there is no will handle probate paperwork collect life insurance and other benefits transfer community property to a surviving spouse or domestic partner pay bills and taxes, and distribute property left through trusts. Even if you hire a lawyer to do some of the paperwork, this book demystifies the process so that you can make informed decisions and communicate intelligently with the attorney about the estate—and save money in the process. Why pay a lawyer tens of thousands of dollars to probate an estate when you can do much of it on your own? This new edition includes important updates on California’s small estate procedures, California Proposition 19, and federal estate taxes, as well as fresh insights from an experienced probate attorney practicing in California.

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Written by probate specialist Julia Nissley, this indispensable bestseller unravels how to settle a simple California estate without an attorney. How to Probate an Estate provides all the tear-out forms and instructions one needs to: - read and understand a will - determine who gets property if there is no will - transfer property to a surviving spouse - collect life insurance and other benefits - change title of real estate, securities and other possessions into the names of the new owners - and much more How to Probate an Estate in California supplies all the instructions, explanations and support you need. You may even be able to handle the whole process by mail, without setting foot in the courthouse. Learn how to: - read a will - determine who inherits property if there is no will - handle probate paperwork - collect life insurance and other benefits - pay bills and taxes - distribute property left through trusts