To simplify, a probate occurs when you need a dead person’s signature to transfer property from one person to another.  While many Californians in particular think of probate as a “horror” or use other such adjectives, there is an established process that can be predictable.  Courts do not generally wish to place horrors on grieving families.  Even so, the process needs to be guided and complications do happen.

A “probate” could happen if there is a will or not.  It may even happen if there was a living trust.   It is also true that a probate may be unnecessary and wasteful. You should always consider alternatives to probate The Probate Code provides options in many situations.  You should also consider a wide range of responsibility and liability that comes with administering an estate.  While you should not get your legal advice from the internet, we do hope this website will be a useful resource as it develops.