Comprehensive, annotated probate decisions from California’s early statehood to the modern era. This volume gathers Judge Coffey’s opinions with scholarly notes that illuminate how probate rules were applied in practice and how judges interpreted wills and estates.
This edition presents a clear, practical view of California probate law through a judge’s long tenure in the state’s probate department. It combines original decisions with editor’s notes, offering context while keeping the text accessible to practitioners and readers seeking historical perspective.
- Probate jurisdiction and the distinct role of the probate department in the California court system
- Construction and interpretation of wills, including residuary provisions and partial intestacy
- Validity of attestation, execution, and olographic (handwritten) wills
- Principles guiding practical administration of estates and guardianships
Ideal for readers of legal history, probate practitioners, and law students seeking a historically grounded view of will law and probate procedure.