Understanding the Death Certificate, Letters Testamentary, and Other Legal Docs
After a loved one passes away, the process of settling their affairs depends on a series of legal documents. Families often need certified copies of the death certificate, court-issued letters testamentary, and other records to handle accounts, property, and estate administration. Knowing what these documents are, how to get them, and why...
Do Heirs Have to Agree on Estate Decisions?
When someone passes away, their estate often includes real property, investments, and personal belongings that must be distributed according to the will or trust. But what happens when heirs disagree about what to do with those assets? In California, not every estate decision requires unanimous consent from all heirs. However, the level...
What to Do If You Suspect the Will Was Forged or Created Under Pressure
Discovering that a loved one’s will may not reflect their true intentions can be painful and confusing. Whether you suspect a forged signature or believe someone exerted pressure to influence their decisions, it’s important to act carefully and quickly. California law provides clear procedures for contesting a will, but success depends on...
Do You Have to File a Final Tax Return for the Deceased?
When a loved one passes away, there’s often a long list of legal and financial tasks to take care of. One question that often comes up is whether you must file a final income tax return on their behalf. The short answer is usually yes, but how and when you do it...
How to Handle Family Tensions During Estate Administration
Losing a loved one is hard enough, but when it comes time to settle their estate, emotions often run high. Disagreements over inheritances, misunderstandings about a will, or disputes about how an executor is handling responsibilities can quickly strain family relationships.
At Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning,...
Who Gets What? Understanding Beneficiary Rights After a Death
The death of a loved one is always tricky, and the process of distributing their estate can be confusing and emotional. At Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning, we help families throughout Contra Costa County...
Executor Duties in Plain English: What You’re Responsible For
Being named the executor of an estate can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never done it before. At Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning, we work with families throughout Contra Costa County, Alameda County, and the Bay Area to guide them through the estate administration process.
What to Do If There Is No Will: Intestate Succession Explained
Losing a loved one is difficult under any circumstances, but when they pass away without a will, the situation becomes even more complex. In California, when someone dies without a will or estate plan, their assets are distributed through a legal process known as intestate succession. At Horizon Elder Law &...
What Happens to Bank Accounts, Homes, and Personal Property After Death?
What actually happens to someone’s property after they pass away? It’s a question many people face while grieving or thinking ahead. California law sets out a clear process for transferring assets like bank accounts, homes, and personal belongings, but the process can vary depending on how things are titled or whether there’s...
How COVID-19 Changed the Way Contra Costa Families Approach Estate Planning
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, most of us were focused on staying safe, finding supplies, and adjusting to a new normal. But as the months wore on, something else became clear—many families in Contra Costa started asking important questions about what would happen if they got sick or couldn’t make decisions for...