How to Probate and Settle an Estate in California can help you understand, prepare for, and work through the steps necessary to handle both property that is subject to probate and property that is not subject to probate in the state of California.

A Nolo bestseller, How to Probate an Estate unravels how to settle a simple California estate without an attorney. It provides all the tear-out forms and instructions necessary to: -- read and understand a will -- determine who gets property if there is no will -- transfer securities -- collect life insurance and other death benefits -- change title of real estate, securities and other possessions into the names of the new owners...and much more.

Easiest-to-use probate guide in California. Probate and Settle an Estate in California provides you with the answers to common questions regarding the probate process. It contains all of the information you need to understand the various options you have, and to quickly and easily settle an estate.

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.

Almost everyone at one time or another becomes responsible for winding up the affairs of a deceased parent, spouse or close friend. This book shows them how to handle the probate process quickly and without costly legal fees. It explains how to read a will, handle probate paperwork, collect life insurance and other benefits, pay bills and taxes and distribute property left through trusts. Includes all the necessary forms and instructions.

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.