Customer Reviews

How to Probate an Estate in California (How to Probate an Estate: California)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

After my mother passed away and I was named executor, I discovered something: California's probate system is a massive, elaborate joke designed to make lawyers rich. It's incomprehensible how convoluted the process is, and how absolutely ZERO help is available. (The court clerks I turned to answered every question with this: "I can't tell you! I'm not a judge!" And, of course, it's not like you can contact a judge.) Imagine trying to file the tax returns for Microsoft without any training or instructions: that's just a hint of what you're in for here.

Armed with this book, though, I got through the process. And -- against all odds, and despite the ridiculous restrictions and obfuscations this laughable legal system imposes on people WHOSE PARENTS JUST DIED -- I got all the way through probate, saving something like $10,000 in legal fees.

So, if your estate doesn't have much money -- or the legal system just bugs the heck out of you, and you refuse to fling hard-earned money at those charlatans -- get this book and thank your lucky stars it exists.

Julia Nissley's book has held my hand for a year! Even though it does not claim to be of assistance in complicated estates, it has been my sole helper throughout distributing my husband's. I can't tell you what a feeling of satisfaction it has brought me to be able to save thousands of dollars for his heirs, wade through the complex legal establishment, and carry out his wishes personally, rather than delegate it to a stranger. I would not have had the confidence to do so without the clear, step by step and good-humored instructions in this book. What a service! Having this physical process in my hands has complemented the emotional and spiritual aspects of letting go of someone I love; it has given me a great sense of wholeness and completion. Thank you!

If you can only purchase one book on probate in California, this book should be your first stop. I am in the process of probating my mother's estate and I will save at least $20,000 by using this book. There a dozens of forms, tips and tons of information on the subject. If you are motivated and organzed, this is the guide to help you avoid the high cost of attorneys in probate. I cannot urge you STRONGLY enough to use this book as your guide to probate in California.

When you probate an estate yourself, you're your own lawyer. Fortunately Nissley, et al, and the State of California have made this possible for typical small family estates. Working through our own actual situation, with the help of this book, provided a much-needed education about what to do and what not to do in planning my own estate matters. What the book doesn't address is the difficulty the Executor or representative faces in managing through the attitudes, complaints and opinions of the others affected by the death of a loved one.

This edition seems to have been edited piecemeal to keep up with changing laws and tax matters, and some of the references within the book are incorrect. But my main objection is the unhappy practice in the book of requiring the reader to keep referring to other sections of the book to complete a form or prepare for a filing.

My brother and I are in the process of probating my Mom's estate with the assistance of this excellent book by Nissley. It hops around a little bit, but all the information is between the covers. So far we have had zero problems. We have not had to consult with an attorney nor a paralegal to have our forms filed with the court. This book is going to save us time and money - about $5,000 on my Mom's small estate. Thank you Julia Nissley and Nolo Press!

I am a big fan of Nolo Press books because they are easy to understand and follow. This book was no different. It takes you step by step and even takes you through each form. It is a great book. I must have for any one who needs to probate a small estate in California.

This book answered all my questions. It is written very thoroughly and with all the information necessary to settle an estate on my own! I highly recommend it to anyone.