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Probate can feel like an unfamiliar legal journey for many families dealing with the loss of a loved one. At Bochnewich Law Offices in Palm Desert, California, we strive to guide clients through estate planning, probate, and related litigation cases, helping them understand the steps involved and the approximate timeline.

The death of a parent is an emotional and challenging time, and dealing with their estate can add to that stress. One of the first questions many people face is whether their parents had a will.

Dealing with a will after a loved one’s death is challenging, especially when you suspect that the will may have been forged. Forged wills can significantly alter the distribution of assets, leading to unfair outcomes and causing family conflicts.

One of the few constants in life is change, and by updating your will after significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets, you can reflect your most recent wishes and circumstances in the distribution of your assets.

When it comes to planning your estate, one of the most important documents you'll need is a will. This legal document directs the distribution of your assets according to your wishes after you pass away. However, there's a lot of confusion about whether handwritten wills, also known as holographic wills, are valid in California.

Understanding which assets must go through probate is crucial for effective estate planning and management in California. Probate is the legal process used to administer and distribute a deceased person’s estate, and knowing which assets are subject to this process can significantly impact how smoothly and efficiently an estate is settled.

In California, the probate process is a vital legal procedure that verifies the proper management and distribution of a deceased person’s estate. A probate attorney plays a crucial role in this process, making sure that the deceased’s debts are paid and their assets are distributed according to their will or, if there's  no will, according to state intestacy laws.

Will validation in California is a crucial step in the probate process, making sure that a deceased person's will is legally recognized and executed according to their wishes. Understanding the intricacies of will validation, including the legal requirements, challenges, and procedures involved, is essential for anyone working through this aspect of estate planning.

Divorce is a complicated and emotionally charged process, and a living trust adds another layer of complexity. Understanding what happens to a living trust during a divorce is critical for effective estate planning.

Family feuds and strained relationships between parents and children sometimes lead to estrangement and may even result in thoughts of disinheritance.