Estate Planning in California | CA Legal Resources | FastCounsel

California: Understanding Medical Liens and How They Affect Your Settlement

What a medical lien is and how it can affect your settlement (California FAQ) Quick answer: A medical lien (or a health‑care claim) is a legal or contractual claim by a medical provider, an insurer, or a government health program against money you receive from a third‑party recovery (for example, a personal‑injury settlement or verdict). […]

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California — How to Get Everyone’s Approval for a Realtor Before Marketing Property

Getting Everyone’s Written Approval for a Realtor Before Marketing a California Property Detailed Answer — step‑by‑step under California law Before an agent lists and markets real estate in California, you must make sure the person(s) who legally control the property agree in writing. The exact steps depend on how title is held (individual owner, married […]

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California Life Estate Duties: Repair, Maintenance, and Waste — FAQ

FAQ: What obligations does someone with a life estate have to repair and care for the property? Short answer: In California, a person who holds a life estate (a life tenant) must use the property reasonably, keep it in ordinary repair, and avoid committing “waste.” That means they cannot intentionally damage the property, negligently allow […]

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California: If an Adjuster Offers a Full-and-Final Settlement and You Need More Treatment

Detailed answer — What signing a “full and final” release usually means in California Short answer: If you sign a full and final settlement and release, you typically give up the right to make any additional claims against the payer (the insurer or defendant) for the same accident or injury, including payment for future medical […]

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California: Evidence Needed to Prove Undue Influence or Lack of Capacity in a Will

FAQ: Proving Undue Influence or Lack of Testamentary Capacity in California Wills Short answer: To challenge a will in California for undue influence or lack of capacity, you need evidence that shows (1) the testator lacked the mental ability required by California law when signing the will, or (2) another person used coercion, manipulation, or […]

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California: What Happens After You Submit an Insurance Claim

Detailed Answer This guide explains, in plain language, what typically happens after you submit an insurance claim in California and what rights and options you have. This is general information only and does not take the place of legal advice. If your claim is large, denied, or involves potential bad faith, consider contacting an attorney. […]

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Proving Lost Wages as a Self‑Employed Person After an Accident in California

Proving lost income when you run your own business after an accident Short answer: As a self‑employed person in California you can prove lost wages by assembling contemporaneous business records (tax returns, invoices, bank deposits, contracts, calendars), medical records showing time out of work, and (if needed) expert calculations that convert lost business revenue and […]

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How to File a Special Proceeding to Recover Foreclosure Surplus Funds in California

Recovering Foreclosure Surplus Funds in California: Step‑by‑Step FAQ This FAQ explains how a former owner or other entitled party can claim surplus funds after a California trustee's sale. It describes the common steps, documents, timelines, and court procedures you are likely to encounter. Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. Consult a […]

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Confirming Your Ownership Percentage in Parents' Real Property — California Guide

Detailed Answer Short answer: To confirm your percentage ownership of your parents’ real property in California, you must inspect the recorded deed and title records, review any trust or probate documents, and (if needed) obtain a professional title search or legal help. The precise percentage depends on how the property is owned (for example: tenancy […]

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What can I expect as a timeline for an initial insurance offer after we send a demand? — California (CA)

Timeline for an Initial Insurance Offer After Sending a Demand — California Short answer: California law does not prescribe a single, fixed deadline for an insurer to make an initial settlement offer after it receives a demand. Insurers must investigate and handle claims promptly and reasonably; in practice, an initial offer often arrives anywhere from […]

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