What Happens if No Probate Is Filed?

If a loved one has died and no probate case has been opened, there is no need to panic. However, it is important not to delay taking action. As discussed above, probate... Read more »

Stefan O’Grady Featured on Probate Weekly Podcast

Partner Stefan O’Grady joined Probate Weekly, a long-running podcast hosted by Bill Gross covering the people and issues shaping California probate practice. In an episode titled “What Happens If You Get Estate... Read more »

Do All Wills Go Through Probate in California?

In California, formal probate with a will generally spans nine to 18 months, though this timeline varies based on estate size, complexity, and potential disputes. Consulting an experienced probate attorney is the most effective way to obtain an... Read more »
A Key Probate Timing Rule: When Can You File a “Demurrer” in a Trust or Estate Case?

A Key Probate Timing Rule: When Can You File a “Demurrer” in a Trust or Estate Case?

In court, timing rules can matter as much as (or more than) the underlying dispute. In Goebner v. Superior Court (2025) 110 Cal.App.5th 1105, the California Court of Appeal answered a practical question... Read more »
Can You Contest a Will After Probate?

Can You Contest a Will After Probate?

Whether a will can be contested after probate depends on when you’re attempting to challenge it. Are you seeking to contest the will after it has been admitted to probate, or after... Read more »
Key Two-Year Bills the California Legislature Will Take Up in 2026 – California Probate and Trust, PC

Key Two-Year Bills the California Legislature Will Take Up in 2026 – California Probate and Trust, PC

If you’re a California resident, business owner, or estate planning professional, the 2026 legislative session will bring significant changes that may affect how you plan your estate, administer trusts, handle probate matters,... Read more »
CA Appellate Court Hands Down Interesting Choice-of-Law, Debt Collection Insurance Exemption Rulings in Bagby v. Davis – California Probate and Trust, PC

CA Appellate Court Hands Down Interesting Choice-of-Law, Debt Collection Insurance Exemption Rulings in Bagby v. Davis – California Probate and Trust, PC

If you’re a California executor, trustee, or beneficiary dealing with creditor claims against an estate or trust, a recent appellate decision may significantly impact how those claims are handled—and which state’s laws... Read more »
What the News Teaches California Families About Estate Planning – California Probate and Trust, PC

What the News Teaches California Families About Estate Planning – California Probate and Trust, PC

If you are a California resident building wealth, raising a family, or caring for aging parents, sudden headline-making events can be a helpful reminder to review your plan before a crisis hits.... Read more »
California Estate Planning Lessons From Sudden Legal Trouble – California Probate and Trust, PC

California Estate Planning Lessons From Sudden Legal Trouble – California Probate and Trust, PC

James Stephen Donaldson, better known as MrBeast. Image: MrBeast/Decrypt MrBeast Video Editor Fired From Beast Industries Following Kalshi Insider Trading Probe – Decrypt: California Estate Planning Lessons From Sudden Legal Trouble If... Read more »
Estate Planning and Probate Lessons for California Families – California Probate and Trust, PC

Estate Planning and Probate Lessons for California Families – California Probate and Trust, PC

NHL Trade Deadline 2026: Estate Planning and Probate Lessons for California Families If you are a California resident, a trustee, or an adult child helping a parent manage finances, the NHL trade... Read more »