The California Guide to Elder Financial Abuse

elderly couple reviewing documents

Elder financial abuse by family members is more common than you may think, and California courts have been cracking down on it more and more in recent years. Sometimes called “senior fraud,” elder financial abuse can range from something as simple as stealing cash out of grandma’s wallet to something as sophisticated as taking control […]

The California Litigation Guide to Probate Code 859

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California Probate Code § 859 is a tool in every probate litigator’s arsenal which authorizes courts to impose a monetary penalty of “twice the value of the property recovered” against the wrongdoer in certain litigation cases.  Here’s a quick guide. What is California Probate Code § 859? California Probate Code § 859 authorizes courts to […]

How To Contest a Conservatorship and Win

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You may need to hire a conservatorship lawyer to contest a conservatorship when a conservator is abusing or exploiting their authority for personal gain. It’s always painful to see a loved one becomes incapacitated due to injury, illness, or a neurological condition. It can be even more difficult when the disabled individual has no power […]

Meanings of Settlor of Trust, Successor Trustee, and Trustor

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Executive Summary Introduction Settlor of trust, successor trustee, trustor, and administrator of trust are common terms in estate planning and trust litigation. What do they all mean? Who is the settlor of a trust? If you are a beneficiary of or have an interest in a trust, then it’s crucial you understand what all these […]

Remote Notarization Bill Will Help Save The Economy

SECURE Notarization Act - Remote Notarization Bill Will Help Save The Economy

April 1, 2020 — (As published on Law360) — Among all the government remedies, extensions, trillion-dollar stimulus packages and other pandemic-relief actions being proposed, allowing virtual notaries — as senators on both sides of the aisle have proposed[1] — might not seem like a very significant cause. It is crucially important, however, and here’s why. […]

How Much Does Probate Cost In California?

How much does probate cost in California? Probate lawyer Scott Rahn explains

The cost of probate in California varies depending on how you choose to handle the process. You can self-administer probate, which involves covering court fees upfront but allows for reimbursement from the estate later. Assisted self-administration, where a paralegal helps with the process, typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 out of pocket. Hiring a probate […]