Resource Library
Plain-language guides to California estate planning, probate, and trust administration, written by Julie B. Mains, Esq. and updated as the law and the practice change. Each guide covers a specific question, with citations to the California Probate Code and links to the official forms.
If your situation does not fit one of these, reach out directly. The initial consultation is free.
Probate Guides
Court-supervised administration of California estates. If you have lost a loved one or you are the named executor, start here.
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How Long Does Probate Take in California?
The typical 9-to-18-month timeline, step-by-step phases, and the four-month creditor period that sets the floor.
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California Probate Fees Explained
The statutory fee schedule by tier, worked examples for common estate sizes, and what is and is not covered.
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How to Avoid Probate in California
Living trusts, TOD deeds, beneficiary designations, and small-estate procedures — when each is the right tool.
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Probate Without a Will (Intestate Succession)
How the California Probate Code decides who inherits when there is no will — by community vs. separate property.
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Selling Real Estate During Probate
When the IAEA lets you sell without a hearing, when court confirmation and overbids apply, and what buyers should expect.
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Spousal Property Petitions and Small Estates
Simplified procedures for estates under $239,700 and for spousal transfers — resolution in roughly 60-90 days or longer depending on county, instead of full probate.
Trust Administration Guides
For successor trustees of a California revocable trust. The trustee’s duties begin the day the settlor passes — these guides walk through the first year.
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Successor Trustee Duties Checklist
Step-by-step duties for the first 30, 60, and 120 days after the settlor passes — and the deadlines that matter.
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California Trust Administration Timeline
Month-by-month calendar of what happens, when, and why most trust administrations run 9-18 months.
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Notifying Beneficiaries: § 16061.7
The 60-day statutory notice that triggers the 120-day contest window — what it must say and how to serve it.
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Trustee vs. Executor: The Difference
How the two fiduciary roles compare on authority, court oversight, fees, timeline, and personal liability.
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Trust Accounting Requirements
What an accounting must contain under § 16063, when it is required, when it can be waived, and how to challenge one.
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When to Hire a Trust Administration Attorney
Situations where counsel is essential, situations where DIY works, and how California trust attorneys typically bill.
Estate Planning Guides
Build the right plan while you have time. Each of these covers a building block of a complete California estate plan.
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California Revocable Living Trust
What it is, when you need one, how funding works, and why a will alone sends most California families to probate.
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Pour-Over Will Explained
The will that pairs with every trust. What it does, why it matters, and the California statute that makes it work.
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Advance Healthcare Directive
The 5 decisions a California AHCD makes for you, who to name, and why every adult should have one.
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Durable Power of Attorney
The financial side of incapacity planning. How a California DPOA works, choosing your agent, and immediate vs. springing.
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Medi-Cal Planning
How 2017 and 2024 California changes reshaped Medi-Cal planning, and why a revocable trust is now the central protection tool.
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Estate Tax in California
No California state tax. Federal applies above $15M. The bigger conversation: step-up in basis on the family home.
Talk to Julie about your situation
The initial consultation is free and no-obligation. Call (949) 545-6504 or send a message below.