Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Can You Protect Your Inherited House?
Inheriting a house after the loss of a loved one can evoke a mix of reactions. The fact that the house came from a loved one who passed away can result in feelings of loss and nostalgia. An inherited house has a sentimental value that may make it feel like a tangible connection to… Read More »
Is Probate a Complex Process in California?
Probate is a legal process that occurs after someone passes away. This process generally entails managing the decedent’s assets, settling debts, and distributing the remaining assets. Often, people consider probate to be a complex process. Indeed, probate can be a complex process. However, certain factors make some probate cases more difficult than others. Therefore,… Read More »
How Can You Emotionally Prepare for Probate?
After someone passes away, their estate might have to undergo probate. This process is necessary for the administration of a deceased person’s estate. The probate process entails validating a decedent’s Will, if one is available, gathering and managing estate assets, inventorying the assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries…. Read More »
Common Reasons for Beneficiary Disputes
Creating a Will involves several key steps that are all aimed at ensuring the testator’s (the testator is the person creating the Will) wishes regarding the distribution of their assets are properly documented. Deciding who will inherit what is one of the most vital decisions a testator has to make when creating a Will…. Read More »
Common Causes of Inheritance Disputes
The time that follows after the loss of a loved one is usually one filled with a lot of sadness and mourning. Unfortunately, following the death of a loved one, disputes are not uncommon. Different kinds of disputes can arise after the loss of a loved one from a variety of factors. One of… Read More »
Rules on Probate in California You Need To Know About (for 2024)
After the passing of a loved one, navigating asset distribution can be daunting. States in the U.S. recognize this, and that is why they have established probate courts. These courts are meant to ensure the fair distribution of assets following someone’s death. Probate courts also ensure valid debts are paid, and estate planning documents… Read More »
What Are Executors Required To Disclose to Beneficiaries of a Will in California?
In California, after someone passes away, the executor of the Will plays a vital role in administering the estate through the probate process. Executors undertake many duties, including ensuring the decedent’s estate assets are divided among beneficiaries according to the decedent’s wishes. Part of an executor’s job is to ensure that they disclose certain… Read More »
Debunking Common Myths About Dying Without a Will
Drawing up a Will is the only way to ensure that a person’s assets pass in line with their wishes after death. Dying without a Will, also called dying intestate, can leave surviving loved ones in a state of confusion and uncertainty. Unfortunately, many people are not familiar with the rules that govern intestate… Read More »
Spousal Undue Influence in California
Undue influence arises when a person persuades another person’s decisions due to the relationship between the two parties. In the contest of Will writing, undue influence occurs when someone close to a testator (the person creating a Will) influences or pressures the testator to make decisions that don’t reflect their true wishes. Often, undue… Read More »
How To Find the Right Probate Attorney in 2024 (For Executors)
When someone dies, it is often necessary to go through the probate process. After someone passes away and leaves behind a Will, the executor is responsible for probating the Will. Probate entails, among other things, proving that a Will is valid, gathering and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to… Read More »
I love being a probate attorney. I love helping people through a very difficult time in their lives with the probate process. My practice focuses solely on probate matters. My job is to complete the probate process as efficiently and painlessly for my clients as possible. I have found that paying the upfront costs of probate adds unneeded stress, so I will advance all of the fees and costs for the probate. No money is required to complete the probate. I will be reimbursed at the end of the case when you receive your inheritance.