Posts by Radiant Probate & Estate Law
Understanding Portability in Estate Planning
When a spouse dies, a valuable tax benefit can disappear if crucial steps are missed. Many surviving spouses wonder about the concept of “portability” in estate planning and how it affects their future. This federal tax provision allows a surviving spouse to use any unused estate tax exemption left by their deceased partner, potentially preserving…
Read MoreSeven Estate Planning Strategies To Protect Your Assets
You spend decades building your savings, your home, and your investments, and the last thing you want is to watch them slip away because of a lawsuit, a divorce, or a surprise creditor claim. In Santa Clara County, estate planning to protect assets can help prevent problems before they arise. Knowing your options early can…
Read MoreCan Probate Delay Foreclosure?
Families managing a loved one’s estate worry about the legal status of the home they owned when mortgage payments fall behind. Clients often ask, “Can probate delay foreclosure in California?” and the answer surprises many people. Probate does not automatically stop foreclosure. Understanding how the two processes interact, however, reveals meaningful strategies that give executors…
Read MoreDo Joint Bank Accounts Go Through Probate?
When someone’s estate goes through probate, it can take months before their heirs or designated beneficiaries can receive certain assets. This prompts many people to wonder, “Do joint bank accounts go through probate?” among other questions. This guide has the answer. Learn about the joint bank account probate rules in California, and how they may…
Read MoreUnderstanding Probate Fees in California
What families in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties need to know — without the confusion. When a loved one passes away owning a home or other assets, one of the first things families want to know is: how much is this going to cost? It’s a reasonable question, and the answer is less scary…
Read MoreWhat Are Probate Bonds, and When Are They Required?
The probate process can be confusing and overwhelming to anyone tasked with managing someone’s estate. One key component that executors, beneficiaries, and heirs should know about is a probate bond. If you’re wondering, “What is a probate bond?” you’ve come to the right place. At Radiant Probate & Estate Law, Inc., we guide clients through…
Read MoreHow Are Digital Assets Handled in Probate?
When a loved one passes away, their estate may include physical assets like their house, car, and sentimental items. However, in today’s modern world, many people leave behind digital assets that could be subject to probate court. This begs the question: How are digital assets handled in probate? Radiant Probate & Estate Law, Inc. assists…
Read MoreCalifornia Probate When There Is a House A Practical Guide for Executors and Families in Santa Clara County
Introduction When a loved one passes away owning real property in California—especially in areas like Mountain View, San Jose, or the greater Santa Clara County region—probate is often required before the property can be transferred or sold. For more than 15 years, our practice has focused heavily on court-supervised probate administration. We regularly handle house-rich,…
Read MoreHow To Prepare for a Probate Court Hearing
Preparing to appear in probate court often feels intimidating, especially if you’re serving as a personal representative for the first time. Radiant Probate & Estate Law, Inc., shares this guide that explains how to prepare for a probate hearing in Santa Clara County. Our probate attorneys support families throughout the California probate process by focusing…
Read MoreWhat Is Considered Exempt Property in Probate?
While going through probate and estate management, you might have several questions for your attorney. However, there is one crucial question that you should ask before beginning the process: What is exempt property in probate? Many people assume that every single one of a person’s assets will be part of their estate. However, the exempt…
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