As we approach the new year, staying informed about legal changes that could impact your family and financial plans is essential. California continues to refine laws around estates, probate, and family agreements to better serve its residents. Here are three key updates for 2025 that you should know about.
1. Protecting Digital Assets in Estate Plans
In today’s world, so much of our lives exist online—bank accounts, social media, subscriptions, and even cryptocurrency. However, gaining access to these digital assets after someone passes away has traditionally been a legal and logistical headache. California has addressed this issue through the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA).
2. Greater Flexibility in Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
3. Simplified Probate for Certain Estates
Probate often gets a bad reputation for being a long, costly, and emotionally draining process because, for many families, it is. California has taken steps to streamline probate for estates that meet certain criteria, especially smaller ones. Under California Probate Code §§ 13100–13116, estates valued below a specific threshold may qualify for simplified probate procedures.
These processes minimize court involvement, reduce paperwork, and save families time and money during an already challenging time. For example, heirs may use a small estate affidavit to transfer property without going through full probate, provided certain conditions are met.
While simplified probate won’t apply to every estate, it highlights the importance of having a clear estate plan to determine eligibility. Even for larger estates, proactive planning can help avoid unnecessary delays and expenses.
Take Action Today
These updates emphasize the importance of staying proactive when it comes to your legal and financial planning. Whether it’s protecting your digital legacy, updating an agreement, or avoiding unnecessary probate hurdles, taking action now can save your family time and stress in the future.
