Howard E. Kane

I began practicing law in 1990. Prior to beginning my career, I attended UCLA from 1983-1987 with a B.A. in History. I then attended the University of California College of the Law San Francisco from 1987 to 1990. I have also been a licensed California Real Estate Broker since 1996.

My main practice areas include Probate and Trust Administration, and full-service Real Estate attorney and broker services. I have brokered hundreds of real estate transactions throughout the Bay Area since 1996.

Call me for a free consultation at 510.292.0193. If you prefer to text to set up a consultation, my cell number is 510.853.1331. My email is hekanelaw@gmail.com.

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees

California

Since 1990

Real Estate Broker

H.E. Kane & Co.

1996 - Current

Attorney

Law Office of Howard E. Kane

1990 - Current

Judicial Extern to Hon. David V. Kenyon

United States District Court, Los Angeles, CA

1989 - 1989

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

J.D. (1990) | Law

Communications and Entertainment Law Journal

University of California - Los Angeles

B.A. (1987) | History

Best Probate Lawyers in Berkeley

Expertise.com

2023

Client Reviewed 5.0/5.0

Martindale-Hubbell

2023

UCLA Alumni Merit Scholar

UCLA Alumni Association

1983

WealthCounsel

Member

Current

ElderCounsel

Member

Current

Contra Costa County Bar Association

Member

1997 - Current

Activities: Probate Section

Alameda County Bar Association

Member

1997 - Current

Activities: Probate Section

California State Bar  # 151711

Member

1990 - Current

Real Estate Broker - Credential ID DRE No. 01206186

California Department of Real Estate

1996

Q. Options when living in a deceased parent's house facing foreclosure and sibling sale issues

April 24, 2025

A: I'm sorry to hear about the situation. Has a Petition for Probate been filed? If not, the property most likely cannot be sold since a representative of your father's estate must be appointed to sign transfer documents to the new owner. In addition, as a beneficiary, you must be given Notice of Proposed Action regarding any proposed sale.

Regarding the mortgage payments that you have made, you should be entitled to reimbursement from the estate. You must file a Creditor's Claim with the court once a probate petition has been filed. Your creditor's claim will be offset by the fair market rental value of the property during your occupancy. Best of luck with this.

Q. How to resolve property tax issues and secure home ownership without funds?

April 11, 2025

A: You need to file a petition for probate with the Riverside County Superior Court. Once you are appointed as administrator of your father's estate, you should be able to borrow money on behalf of the estate to pay the back taxes. You can also borrow as a beneficiary. Back taxes must be paid before you can finalize the probate process and have the property transferred to you via the court's Order for Final Distribution.

Q. How does an executor access a bank account in a small estate with no probate in California?

April 11, 2025

A: I agree with Mr. Arrasmith's response. If you need assistance with the small estate affidavit, I recommend that you call your local bar association lawyer referral service for a consultation with a probate attorney, or reach out to a California probate attorney through Justia. Best of luck with this.