Why Probate in California Makes Your Finances Public—and How to Keep Them Private
Imagine this.
You’ve spent your whole life working hard, building a home, saving what you could. Then one day, your family loses you. They’re grieving, and on top of that, every detail of your financial life—your house, your bank accounts, your debts—is suddenly a public record.
That’s probate. It’s like putting your family’s financial diary on the courthouse bulletin board for anyone to read.
A Family Story That Hits Close to Home
Not long ago, a son in Los Angeles lost his mother. Her home was the family’s anchor. But because her estate went through probate, scammers spotted the court filings. One showed up with papers that looked official, promised to “help” refinance the house, and convinced him to sign. The con unraveled fast. Mortgage payments weren’t made, foreclosure notices piled up, and by the time the truth came out, the home was on it's way to the auction block.
This is what happens when private finances become public opportunity.
The Celebrity Illusion
Celebrities aren’t immune either.
Matthew Perry had the foresight to place most of his wealth in a trust, which means we’ll never know the details of how his royalties were passed on. But one account—a simple checking account with just over a million and a half dollars—was left out. Because of that, it had to be reported in a probate filing, and it quickly became public record. News outlets covered the story in detail, proving how even one overlooked asset can make the headlines.
Jackie Onassis, on the other hand, left only a will. Once it was filed in probate, the entire document—every gift, every bequest—was published for the world to see. You can still read her will online.
People sometimes tell me, “Well, I’m not a celebrity, so who cares?” But probate doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re Jackie O or a teacher in Torrance, the process is the same. Your will goes public.
Why Privacy Matters for Every Family
Think about it. You would never willingly post your bank balances, home equity, or net worth online. Yet, probate forces your family to do exactly that—at the very moment they’re most vulnerable.
And it’s not just about curiosity. Predators read these filings looking for grief-stricken surviving spouses, innocent young heirs, or anyone suddenly inheriting money without protection.
Here’s how the California Courts describe probate: a public process that can take 9–18 months or longer. But ask any probate litigator, and they’ll tell you most cases today drag on closer to two years—especially if there’s real estate, disputes, or multiple heirs involved.
The Way Out: A Trust That Works
The way to avoid probate is simple in concept: create and properly fund a living trust.
A trust transfers assets privately. It lets your family move forward without waiting on the court. It gives them breathing room at a time when the last thing they need is red tape.
But here’s the part most people miss: a trust is only as strong as what you put into it. If your home, bank accounts, and investments aren’t actually titled in the trust, it’s nothing more than a binder on the shelf. And probate still knocks on the door.
Explore how our Estate Planning services go beyond documents.
Choosing the Right Guide
Estate planning isn’t about filling in forms. It’s about having a guide who walks you through the process so it actually works when your family needs it. That means helping you fund the trust, reviewing it over time, and making sure it stays aligned with your life as it changes.
Anything less is just paper.
The Bottom Line
Probate in California isn’t just expensive. It’s public. It opens the door to predators and creates stress at the worst possible time. But with the right planning, your family’s story can stay private.
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This article is a service of Blue Pinnacle Law, PC. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Lighthouse Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by emailing our office today to schedule a Lighthouse Legacy Planning Session at support@bluepinnaclelaw.com.
The content is believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.
