How to Probate an Estate in California

Handle the California probate process, from deciphering a will to tackling taxes

If you need to wrap up the affairs of a deceased family member or friend in California, you may find yourself wading through the process of probate. But did you know? You can save big on attorney fees by handling the probate process yourself.

How to Probate an Estate in California is the only book that provides all the forms, tips and step-by-step instructions you ll need to settle a loved one's estate -- all written in plain English. You may even be able to handle the whole process by mail without setting foot in the courthouse!

With this easy-to-read guide, you'll 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

Even if you hire a lawyer to do the probate paperwork, this book demystifies the the process so that you can make informed decisions and communicate intelligently with the attorney about the estate -- and save cash in the process. Why spend over $13,000 on a lawyer to probate a $500,000 estate, when you can do almost all of it on your own?

This edition contains important legal and tax updates, as well as newly updated probate forms.

Nolo has dozens of products created just for California residents.