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…
Unlocking Savings with Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs): A Guide for California Homeowners
Estate planning often involves balancing the desire to provide for loved ones with strategies to minimize taxes. For California homeowners, a Qualified Personal Residence Trust…
Password-Protected Legacies: Managing Access to Digital Estates
Why Digital Estates Matter in Kern County Imagine this: A loved one passes away, leaving behind bank accounts, medical records, and priceless family photos locked…
Minimize California Property Taxes with These 3 Smart Estate Planning Moves
California’s property taxes are among the highest in the nation, but smart estate planning can help you keep them under control. Whether you’re planning to…