Frequently Asked Questions
(Probably more than you'd ever want to know about estate planning and probate)
Provided are links to commonly asked questions (and their answers) about wills, the probate process, and living trusts, and more. As always, we want you to have as much knowledge and understanding as possible about the legal process.
Probate Questions
- What is probate?
- Why does an estate have to go through probate?
- How long does probate take?
- How much does probate cost?
- If I die without a will, won't the State of California take everything?
- I don't own a house and have only a few thousand dollars in the bank. Do I need a will?
- What is a "holographic will?"
Trust Questions
- What is a "living trust?" Do I need one?
- How does a trust work?
- How do I manage my trust while I am alive?
- Will a living trust avoid estate taxes?
- Will a living trust protect my assets from creditors?
- Will a living trust allow me to qualify for Medi-Cal while still leaving my assets to my children?
- I have a disabled child on public benefits. What is a Special Needs Trust?
- If I have a trust, do I still need a will?
- What about those "Trust Seminars," then?
Powers of Attorney
- What is a Power of Attorney?
- What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
- What is an Advance Health Care Directive or a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
- What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Matters?
General Questions
- Can I prepare my own will or trust?
- Where should I keep my original will and/or trust?
- Where should I keep my original Durable Powers of Attorney?
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Steven C Dimick, Attorney at Law
20880 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Telephone: 510-537-6200 Fax: 510-537-6213
Serving clients in all of Alameda County, including Castro Valley, Hayward, Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Fremont, Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore.
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