Community Property or Separate Property
There are a number of steps you can take in order to sort out how the decedent’s property was owned. Read more here.
Our deceased mother owned a country house. How can we find out how much the title is worth?
When it comes to California real estate, the first thing to do is to carefully review all deeds and find out how title is held. If you have doubts, you may contact a title company and ask for a title search.
Community Property with Right of Survivorship
Most real property held in community between spouses and domestic partners used to be held in joint tenancy. Since 2001 (and 2003 for domestic partners), California probate law has introduced Community Property with Right of Survivorship (CPWROS).
A long-time California friend I took care of has passed away. How do I find out if I am a beneficiary in the will?
People listed as beneficiaries who are not members of the family of the deceased will usually be informed by the California probate court. However, this only applies if the will has been filed with the court upon death, which is the case if the assets have to go through probate.
What is probate in San Diego?
Probate is the legal administrative process through which property from the estate of the deceased is transferred from the name of the deceased into the name of the inheritor. It is a court ordered transfer of property.