How to Probate an Estate in California (How to Probate an Estate: California) [Paperback]

Julia Nissley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1413304478 | ISBN-13: 978-1413304473 | Publication Date: March 2006 | Edition: 17

If you need to wrap up the affairs of a deceased family member or friend in California, you can save attorney fees by handling the probate process yourself.

How to Probate an Estate in California supplies all the instructions, explanations and support you need. You may even be able to handle the whole process by mail, without setting foot in the courthouse. Learn how to:

*read a will *determine who inherits property if there is no will *handle probate paperwork *collect life insurance and other benefits *transfer community property to a surviving spouse or domestic partner *pay bills and taxes *distribute property left through trusts

The completely updated 17th edition explains the latest laws, estate taxes and forms for the current year.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Marvelous book! Wonderful book. Everything worked exactly as explained. Sample letters were extremely helpful. (R. I., Lodi, CA )

Between your books and a very helpful probate referee, I was able to save over $3,000. (C. H., Atwater, CA )

This book was easy to follow and saved me thousands of dollars. (F. B., Long Beach, CA )

I probated my mother's $200,000 estate from 1,000 miles away and it cost about $200 with fees, postage and a few phone calls. (M. B., Sequim, WA )

You have helped me through the most difficult situation in my life. With the help of your book, I can handle the probate myself. (P. S., Palos Verdes Estates, CA ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Handle probate yourself -- and save thousands of dollars --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: NOLO; 17 edition (March 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1413304478
• ISBN-13: 978-1413304473
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #97 in Books > Law > Taxation > Estates & Trusts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE Book To Have, April 14, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Probate an Estate in California (How to Probate An Estate. California Edition, 11th ed) (Paperback)

Nolo Press, the publisher, has hits and misses. This book is a direct hit, surpassing any and all other books of its kind. It allows for an overview, but also provides substantial detail, providing copious forms and examples for illustration and assistance. The book is addressed to the market in California, and all the forms and Probate Code citations relate to California, but even residents of other States will find a wealth of information and suggestions to consider. The book may seem pricey compared to others of its kind, but the others are a waste of money set next this resource. If you're going to be involved in the administration of an estate, and intend to do your best, let this great guide help you do it.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable - a tremendous value at twice the price!, March 26, 2004

By 

mike - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Probate an Estate in California (How to Probate an Estate: California) (Paperback)

As a layman with no legal experience whatsoever, I acted as executor and recently concluded probate... from another state entirely, without ever having set foot in California! All of the court-related matters were handled through the mail/fax thanks to the indispensable guidance of this book.

Even if you're not acting as executor (or can't decide if you should), any party to probate should consider this book a "must-have". It is written for an executor but there is so much information on the 'mysterious' court procedures, anyone involved in a CA probate would be well-served by purchasing this book if for nothing other than to know "what is probate?" and "what is going on?"

As executor, it's easy enough to find the forms on California court sites, and some (sites) have sketchy details to assist in filling them out (the court probate examiner informed me the most common cause of delays in an individual probate case is due to improperly filled out forms). But even this relatively simple step requires you have an understanding of how the civil court system works; something I am fairly certain too few people have (myself included). Not only does this book familiarize you with the court system and its procedures (a rewarding learning experience in its own right), as well as gameplan the (typical) entire probate process but shows in explicit detail how to fill out every line of every form you'll most likely need.

None of this is to say probate is easy - I have not found mine to be and the estate was relatively simple. DIY probate is a lot of (detail/organizational) work. But I believe a large amount of the work involved for the first-time DIYer is due to unfamiliarity with the law, court procedures and its paperwork. Reading the book gave me the confidence that even so, I could do it myself and consult with an attorney on occasion rather than just washing my hands of it (and a pile of cash) by turning probate over to an attorney at the outset.

I was fortunate in that my probate case was relatively straightforward to be handled as it was. But even if it weren't, you MUST arm yourself with information of this nature if you're considering hiring an attorney. Get that information in one topical, detailed and pleasant-reading book.

Thanks so much Julia!

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on the topic, May 21, 2001

By 

Eric Tilenius "tilenius" (San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Probate an Estate in California (How to Probate an Estate: California) (Paperback)

I ordered several books on estates and what to do after someone passes away; after reviewing all of them, this is THE book I really used. It was the most complete, helpful, and accessible book on the topic. Also, note that it does NOT just deal with Probate -- my situation did not involve probate (fortuntaely!), but I still found this book invaluable in helping me know what to do about all the various matters after my mother passed away. I highly recommend this book.