Probate Process

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Who Has Legal Standing to File a Conservatorship in California? Understanding the Conservatorship of Anne S. Ruling

If you’re a California resident concerned about protecting a vulnerable loved one—or worried about who might have the authority to intervene in your own affairs—understanding who can legally file for conservatorship is critical. A recent California appellate court decision clarifies an important limitation: simply being someone’s neighbor does not give you the legal right to … Read More

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When Can You File a Demurrer in a California Probate Case? Understanding Goebner v. Superior Court

f you’re navigating probate litigation in California or managing a contested estate, understanding procedural timelines can protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes. A recent California case, Goebner v. Superior Court, clarifies an important rule: a demurrer may be filed at any time at or before the initial hearing in a probate case. This ruling … Read More

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Can a Child Inherit From a Parent’s Estate If They Were Unintentionally Omitted From the Will?

To inherit a share of a parent’s estate as an omitted child, the child must show that the sole reason for omission was that the testator was unaware of the child’s birth. Source: California Lawyers Association – Estate of Williams Can a Child Inherit From a Parent’s Estate If They Were Unintentionally Omitted From the … Read More

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Can Heirs Who Aren’t Named in a Trust Still Challenge It? What California Families Need to Know About Hamlin v. Jendayi

If you’re a California resident managing an estate or worried about protecting your family’s inheritance rights, a recent legal development could significantly impact your ability to contest a trust—even if you were never named as a beneficiary. The Legal Question: Who Has Standing to Contest a Trust in California? In Hamlin v. Jendayi, California courts … Read More

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Conservatorship of A.J.: What California Families Need to Know About LPS Conservatorships and Least Restrictive Placement

If you’re a California resident managing the care of a loved one with severe mental health challenges, understanding the legal boundaries of LPS conservatorships is critical. A recent ruling in Conservatorship of A.J. highlights a significant issue: courts cannot delegate the responsibility to determine the least restrictive placement to the Public Guardian. Who This Applies … Read More

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Can a Named Executor Be Denied Appointment for Mismanagement? What California Residents Need to Know About Estate of Bodmann

If you’ve been named as an executor in a loved one’s will, you might assume the appointment is automatic. A recent California case—Estate of Bodmann (Krouse v. Holden-Bodmann)—proves otherwise. This ruling clarifies that mishandling estate assets before you’re officially appointed can disqualify you from serving as executor entirely. Source: California Lawyers Association – Estate of … Read More

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Can I Be Disqualified as Executor Before I’m Even Appointed? What the Estate of Bodmann Case Means for You

If you’ve been named as an executor in a loved one’s will, you might think your role begins once the court officially appoints you. But a recent California appellate decision proves that what you do before your appointment can disqualify you entirely—even if you were specifically chosen by the person who passed away. Who This … Read More

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California Probate Law Changes 2026: What Executors and Personal Representatives Must Know About New Notice Requirements

If you’ve been named as an executor or personal representative in California, you’re facing new legal obligations starting January 1, 2026. Understanding these changes is critical to avoid personal liability and fulfill your fiduciary duties properly. What Changed in California Probate Law? Two significant pieces of legislation—AB 1521(the Judiciary Omnibus Bill) and AB 565—have fundamentally … Read More

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What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will? Lessons from Liam Payne’s $50M Estate

When One Direction star Liam Payne tragically passed away in October 2025 at age 31, he left behind a $50.21 million estate—but no will to direct how it should be distributed. This high-profile case reveals the complex legal challenges families face when a loved one dies intestate (without a will), and why estate planning is … Read More

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Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff Died Without a Will: What Families Need to Know About Intestate Succession in California

Understanding What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will When actress and reality television personality Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff passed away on March 5, 2025, at age 62, she left behind an estate valued at approximately $840,000—but no will to direct how her assets should be distributed. Her eldest daughter, Taylor Hasselhoff-Fiore, 34, filed court documents on … Read More

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