Darling & Wilson, PC Legal Blog
Can a business partner sell property without your consent?
If your business partner tries to sell commercial property without your approval, you may have immediate legal concerns. Whether a partner has authority to transfer the property depends on how title is held, who owns it and what the governing agreements provide. Who...
Can a handwritten will be valid in California?
You do not need a lawyer or a fancy form to write a will in California. A handwritten note can count as a legal will if it meets specific rules. This matters when you write your final wishes at home without witnesses or a standard estate planning document. California...
What happens to a car when the owner dies in California?
When a loved one dies, families often face practical questions, including what happens to the car. They may wonder who owns it and how to transfer it. In California, the answer depends on the title and estate process. How the vehicle title determines what happens...
What happens to a safe deposit box after death in California?
A safe deposit box may hold a will, trust papers or instructions for final arrangements. After a loved one dies, family members may wonder who can open the box and what they can take. Under California law, a limited process allows access before a personal...
Do you need a trust, a will or both?
Estate planning can help you protect your family, manage your property and make important decisions about your future. If you live in Bakersfield or Delano, you may wonder whether you need a will, a trust or both. The right choice depends on your assets, family...
Found a bank account after closing an estate?
The probate case is closed and your family has received the estate property. Then an old bank statement arrives showing an account no one knew existed. The discovery raises an immediate question: Does the estate process have to begin again? The answer depends in part...
What are the legal options when a business partner is dishonest?
Years of business growth can be placed at risk when a partner is dishonest. This dishonesty often appears in ways that seem small at first. A partner may hide financial records, divert company funds, enter into side deals or make decisions for personal gain – all of...
3 common mistakes executors make during estate administration
Most people do not choose professional estate executors. They choose spouses, adult children, other relatives or trusted friends who suddenly find themselves responsible for managing an estate and fulfilling duties they may know little about. The role often involves...
Can trustees sell major assets without informing beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries of a trust may sometimes enjoy access to and use of trust property. Other times, they may receive funds distributed by the trustee after the sale of trust resources. A trustee generally has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of trust...
Why should you address property carefully in an estate plan?
One of the most important goals of estate planning is making sure that your loved ones can effectively manage your assets when you die. This includes everything you own, such as homes, vehicles, land, bank accounts, family heirlooms and business interests. Crafting a...