When a loved one dies, families often find themselves struggling not only with grief but also with the confusing world of probate and taxes. One…
Shielding Benefits, Not Assets: The Truth About Special Needs Trusts
Introduction – Why Benefits Matter and How Easy It Is to Lose Them For many individuals with disabilities, public benefits are a lifeline. Programs like…
Mind and Money: How California Law Decides if a Parent Can Make Estate Decisions
Mind and Money: How California Law Decides if a Parent Can Make Estate Decisions When an aging parent’s memory or decision-making skills begin to fade,…
Trusts vs. Creditors: What Works and What Doesn’t in California Estate Planning
Many Californians assume that placing assets into a trust automatically shields them from creditors. Unfortunately, this belief is only sometimes true. In reality, whether a…
Why Notices Matter: Who You Must Notify During Probate
When someone passes away and their estate goes through probate, most people expect paperwork, court filings, and (eventually) property transfer to the heirs. Giving proper…
Who’s Living in the House? What to Do When Someone Won’t Leave After a Loved One Dies
There’s a Stranger in My Loved One’s Home. What Do I Do? If you’ve recently lost a family member and discovered someone unexpectedly living in…
Does Your California Estate Plan Stop at the Border? What to Know About Foreign Real Estate
For some Californians, estate planning isn’t just about passing on a home in Bakersfield or a cabin in the Sierras—it’s about protecting real estate across…
From Simple to Sophisticated: Choosing Between “A,” “AB,” and “ABC” Trusts in Your Estate Plan
When it comes to estate planning, not all trusts are created equal—especially for married couples. The structure of your trust can have a profound impact…
The Probate Pitfall: What Homeowners Often Overlook
California’s probate process is frequently perceived as slow, expensive, and public. When someone dies with real estate titled in their name alone — even if…
Win Your Divorce Case: How Requests for Admission Can Simplify Your Fight
Divorce litigation can be a challenging, costly, and emotionally taxing process. Streamlining discovery is essential to focus on key issues and reduce unnecessary disputes. One…