by lkelley | Jun 23, 2026 | Probate
When policymakers set out to stop probate abuse, the goal is straightforward: protect beneficiaries and preserve the integrity of the court process. But there’s a catch. Well‑intentioned reforms can unintentionally add friction—extra delays, costs, or procedural...
by lkelley | Jun 9, 2026 | Probate
Probate policy has one job that pulls in two directions at the same time: stop fraud and coercion, while keeping the process accessible enough that rightful heirs can still be found and participate. When reforms focus only on tightening controls, the system can...
by lkelley | Jun 3, 2026 | Probate
This brief is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Overview In March 2026, Washington enacted HB 2445, “Ending Probates for Profit,” codified as Chapter 204, Laws of 2026 (C 204 L 26). The law takes effect June 11, 2026. It was...
by lkelley | May 28, 2026 | Probate
This brief is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Overview California Probate Code § 11604.5 provides a court-supervised framework for transactions in which a beneficiary transfers some or all of a beneficial interest to a...
by lkelley | May 26, 2026 | Ethics, Probate
Probate is meant to follow a clear chain: identify the lawful heirs, give proper notice, and transfer property under court oversight. When that first step is incomplete, everything that follows gets riskier, delays increase, disputes become more likely, and rightful...
by Shalise Obray | May 5, 2026 | Ethics, Probate
The Challenge: Protecting Probate Without Limiting Access Every system needs safeguards against bad actors. Probate is no different. But in the effort to prevent abuse, there’s a growing risk of overcorrection—policies or practices that unintentionally make it harder...
