Probate Notes: Your Guide to Navigating California Probate Law

In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam flips the script and brings listeners inside his own law firm to explore a part of probate practice that often gets overlooked: the first phone call. That initial conversation sets the tone for the entire attorney-client relationship, shaping expectations around cost, timeline, communication, and trust. Sam explains why attorneys are often not the best people...

In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam welcomes Sharon Vidano, a former criminal defense attorney turned certified life coach, for a conversation about mindset, energy, and intentional living in the legal profession. Drawing on her own experience practicing law, Sharon explains why so many attorneys find themselves living on autopilot, pushing through long hours, high stress, and constant demands w...

Family disputes over trusts and estates don't just involve legal questions. They carry decades of emotional history, misunderstandings, and tension that money alone can't resolve. In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam sits down with veteran trust-and-estate mediator Daniel I. Spector to explore how mediation offers an effective, human-centered alternative to years of bruising litigation. Dan walks...

Probate bonds play a critical role in California probate cases, yet many practitioners still find the process confusing. In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam sits down with attorney and surety-bond specialist Paul Shakarian to clarify how bonds work, how applicants get approved, and the factors that influence underwriting. Paul shares his transition from practicing law to running a bond agency, a...

Ever felt bogged down by the endless paperwork in the legal field? On this episode of Probate Notes, Chris Floyd from EDEX Information Systems shares how his company is revolutionizing the way legal professionals handle their mail. Chris shares how EDEX transitioned from aiding the California State Workers' Compensation System to becoming an essential partner for attorneys, especially during the p...

On this episode of Probate Notes, Aaron Feldman from Feldman Law Group shares his remarkable journey from the world of music to the corridors of law, offering listeners a narrative rich with unexpected turns and insights. You'll hear about Aaron's educational experiences at UC Santa Barbara and Southwestern University and how his passion for the music industry was redirected towards a rewarding ca...

On this episode of Probate Notes, Catalina Castaneda, a seasoned real estate agent from Riverside, California, unfolds her incredible journey. From her roots in Colombia to her thriving niche in probate real estate, Catalina brings a wealth of experience shaped by her international business and logistics background. Her story exemplifies the power of relationship-building and marketing, as she sha...

What happens when two professionals swap the heat of the kitchen for the intricate world of probate law? On today's episode of Probate Notes, discover how Susan Ghormley and LeAndra McCormick, both private professional fiduciaries, transitioned from catering to navigating the complexities of estate management with precision and care. Susan, a former attorney and English teacher, combines her metic...

In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam dives into the complexities of probate real estate with expert guest Bill Gross. Bill, a seasoned realtor who made a unique transition from aerospace and electronics to real estate, shares his experiences and expertise in the specialized field of probate and trust litigation. Sam and Bill explore the often-overlooked opportunities within estate sales, especial...

What if you could transform the way your law firm handles court filings overnight? On this episode of Probate Notes, Sam sits down with Joshua Jones and Tony Bumpers from Rapid Legal to uncover how their groundbreaking technology is reshaping the landscape of probate matters. Discover the ease of managing court fees and filings through a sophisticated online portal that promises to eliminate the h...

What if navigating the labyrinth of real estate transactions could be simplified? On today's episode of Probate Notes, join Sam as he sits down with Kevin Sayles from Lawyers Title to unlock the secrets behind title insurance, especially in the intricate world of probate cases. Sam and Kevin dissect the crucial role title insurance plays in verifying ownership and shielding against fraud. At the s...

Marcia Campbell, a seasoned CPA with a heart for protecting seniors' finances, joins Sam on this episode of Probate Notes to share her remarkable journey from Buffalo, New York, to becoming a leading figure in California's probate accounting scene. A scandal in Riverside ignited her passion, and now she's making waves at Smith Marion, expanding her practice in court accountings. Marcia also shares...

What does it take to master California probate real estate? On this episode of Probate Notes, join Sam for an engaging conversation with Matias Baker Masucci, who transitioned from the fast-paced world of entertainment to become a seasoned real estate broker in Southern California. Matias reveals how his entertainment background has provided him with exceptional communication skills, which are now...

On today's episode of Probate Notes, attorney Courtney Writer, Vice President at Fidelity National Title, joins Sam for an exploration into the world of title insurance and its intersection with probate matters. With tales of their shared history at Price Law Firm and amusing birthday contests in Oak Glen, Courtney shares her professional journey. From real estate to law, she reveals the pivotal m...

The Honorable Judge Mary Thornton House, a retired judicial officer from the Los Angeles Superior Court, joins Sam for the latest episode of Probate Notes with her profound expertise in probate matters. From her early beginnings in Memphis to her distinguished legal career in Los Angeles, Judge House opens up about her journey and current role as a private mediator. Sam and Judge House delve into...

What happens when a seasoned attorney from Silicon Valley steps into the world of probate law? On this episode of Probate Notes, explore this intriguing question with Janet Brewer, an esteemed lawyer whose career journey took her from the Chicago suburbs to the cutting-edge technology scene of California. Janet's personal story reveals a path shaped by innovation, as she navigated the corporate le...

Ever wondered how real estate law intertwines with probate to affect the transfer of property? Join Sam for this episode of Probate Notes, as he unravels these complexities with insights from Jennifer Felton, an accomplished attorney who has transformed challenges in the escrow world into a thriving legal career. Jennifer shares her journey from being an escrow officer to owning a renowned real es...

On this episode of Probate Notes, Elizabeth Miffleton, a respected name in the California real estate market, reveals her remarkable journey from banking to becoming a sought-after agent specializing in probate and trust properties. Her story is an inspiring one, marked by her transition from a successful stint at Bank of America to founding a paralegal business, all guided by her bilingual prowes...

What role do probate referees play in the intricate world of California probate law? Join Sam for this episode of Probate Notes as he sits down with Bud Garvin, an experienced probate referee with a fascinating background that transitions from business broker and appraiser to an appointed expert by the state comptroller's office. They unravel the unique journey of becoming a probate referee and th...

What if the small cost of title insurance could guard your most significant investment against unforeseen claims? On today's episode of Probate Notes, Sam sits down with Kevin Sayles, Vice President and Probate Expert at Lawyers Title, to unravel the intricacies of real estate title insurance. Kevin shares his journey from banking and lending to becoming an industry leader in title insurance, wher...

On today's episode of Probate Notes, join Sam for an eye-opening discussion with Tanis Kluever, a senior account executive from Commercial Loan Corporation (CLOANC), who specializes in the niche field of probate and irrevocable trust loans. Have you ever wondered why major banks steer clear of these types of loans? Tanis shares her fascinating journey from managing restaurants to becoming a key pl...

Justin Fautsch, a vibrant force in the real estate realm, joins Sam on Probate Notes and unfolds his fascinating transition from the medical device industry into co-founding Vimvi Real Estate. With a journey that started at the University of Iowa and led to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, Justin reveals his passion for leadership and entrepreneurship. Alongside his business partner, Mark MacF...

Have you ever wondered why selling real estate in a California probate case can feel like navigating a labyrinth? On this episode of Probate Notes, Sam, your host and certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law, is here to guide you through the maze. Most often, it is real estate that puts an estate in probate. This episode unravels the often intricate process of selling real e...

What happens when someone passes away and has to go through probate? On this episode of Probate Notes, join Sam as he unpacks this question and more. In this episode, Sam introduces you to his proprietary six-stage probate process, crafted especially for professionals navigating the California probate system. With a focus on John Doe's intestate estate, Sam guides you through the essential steps,...

In this inaugural episode of Probate Notes, host Sam Price, a certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law, takes listeners on a personal and professional journey. The challenges Sam's family faced after his father's untimely death without an estate plan inspired him. Sam shares how those experiences profoundly impacted his career path. He reveals pivotal moments that led him to...