California’s new law, effective April 1, 2025, aims to simplify the inheritance process for some, but not all. Here’s a summary:
• Probate: A court process to validate wills and distribute estates, often lengthy and expensive.
Key Changes:
○ “Small estates” can now include primary residences valued up to $750,000, allowing them to bypass full probate.
○ The threshold for personal property has increased to $200,000.
Eligibility:
○ Applies to one primary residence only.
○ Vacation homes, rentals, and properties over $750,000 aren’t eligible unless protected by other means.
Simplified Process:
○ Heirs file a short petition; the process can take 60-90 days.
○ Requires notifying all legal heirs, which could lead to disputes if there’s no alignment.
Implications:
○ Faster, more affordable inheritance possible but requires clear family communication.
○ Encourages homeowners to revisit end-of-life planning, potentially using trusts to avoid probate entirely.
This law provides a more streamlined path for some estates, but many will still require traditional probate.
Source: SFGATE
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Shirin Rezania Ramos | 858.345.0685 | www.shirinramos.com | Compass, DRE 0203379
