Many people might not know exactly what inheritance laws are designed to accomplish. Waiting until a loved one dies will only complicate the matter further, so it is helpful to start with an overview of what the term actually means. In broad terms, an inheritance law is any regulation or statute that sets the parameters regarding how an estate will be divided after a death.

While drafting a will is one way to help direct the division of property and assets, inheritance laws can supersede those desires in some cases. For example, a deceased person’s spouse or children might be able to legally claim a portion of the estate even if they are not expressly entitled to an inheritance in the will.

Of course, these laws can vary significantly from one state to the next, so it is vital to understand exactly how California’s regulations will impact the process.

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