How to Probate an Estate in California

Handle probate yourself - and save time and moneyWhen you've lost a loved one, the inevitable legal matters can seem difficult and confusing. But in most cases, probate involves little more than routine paperwork to transfer assets to family members and other beneficiaries. How to Probate an Estate in California explains, step-by-step, how to wrap up a basic estate. Whether you do it yourself or work with a lawyer, you'll save money and time. With this easy-to-follow guide, you'll learn how to:read and understand a will or trustdetermine who inherits if there is no willpay bills and taxescomplete and file all necessary court paperworkcollect life insurance and other death benefitstransfer real estate, securities, vehicles, and other assets to heirs and beneficiariestransfer some assets without probateEven 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 cash in the process. Why pay a lawyer over $15,000 to probate a $500,000 estate, when you can do much of it on your own?Every page of this new edition has been reviewed and revised by a practicing probate lawyer. It provides fresh and accurate information about probating an estate in California.