Articles Posted in probate law

What is the ownership presumption in a probate dispute? (Fam. Code 760.)
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

The purpose of this article is to explain the ownership presumption in a probate dispute. This is because property ownership can cause disputes even after death, which must be resolved in the probate or civil courts. (Schlyen v. Schlyen (1954) 43 Cal.2d 361, 370–371.) Specifically, the understanding of how marriage affects ownership presumptions in probate…

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Real Estate Commissions in Probate Actions (CCP 873.745)
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Probate proceedings can often be complex, especially when it comes to the sale of property within an estate. In California, the rules governing commissions for agents, brokers, and auctioneers involved in probate sales are outlined in California Probate Code. Probate commissions are fees paid to executors and administrators for their services in managing and distributing…

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What is an Order Determining Succession to Real Property? (Probate Code Section 13154)
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

An order determining succession to real property is an alternative petition to get a court order transferring the property. (Prob. Code § 13154.) If the estate is small enough, and a successor to the decedent has proof that they are entitled to a certain piece of property, then they may use this process to become…

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How Does a Partition Sale Differ From the Process of a Probate Sale?
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Partitions sales and probate sales are two different ways that a property can be sold. A main difference between the two is that a partition sale is ordered and overseen by the court, while a probate sale is generally overseen by a personal representative, and the court can have minimal involvement. There are also specific…

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What Are the Rules for Buying Probate Property (Prob. Code § 10580)?
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

When a person passes away and leaves behind the property, their property must first pass through the probate process before being passed down to family members and loved ones. Essentially, the probate process is a legal process that determines the execution of the estate of someone who has passed away. Moreover, during the probate process,…

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What is a Petition to Determine Distribution Rights (Prob. Code § 11705)? 
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

For family members of a deceased loved one, the most important part of probate proceedings is the final distribution of the estate. This occurs once the estate’s debts and obligations have been satisfied, and it serves to more or less end the probate of the estate. But what if someone thinks they’re entitled to a…

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How do you enforce real estate contracts in Probate Court (Probate Code section 850)? 
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

Real estate contracts are an expansive field of both law and life. Sales, leases, options, and certainly wills can all fall under this broad category. Normally, once a contract is signed, parties can go to court to enforce them by filing a lawsuit. But if one of the parties has passed away, the transaction becomes…

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