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,…
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…
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…
Using Anti-SLAPP Motions in Decedent Estates and Trust Administration: A Guide with Examples
California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute, under Code of Civil Procedure § 425.16, provides a unique tool to combat meritless lawsuits stemming from…
Why Parties to a Divorce Should Take Status as Soon as Possible: The Probate Attorney’s Perspective
When navigating a divorce, one critical but often overlooked step is “taking status” — that is, ensuring the court finalizes the dissolution of marital status…
Managing Digital Assets in Probate: What Kern County Residents Need to Know
Today, almost everyone has a digital footprint—from online banking to social media profiles. When a loved one passes away, handling these digital assets can be…
Trust Management Challenges: Why Some Inheritances Are Reduced
Administering a trust can be complicated, especially when the trust doesn’t have enough cash or unallocated funds to cover expenses like taxes, creditor claims, and…
Can You Lawfully Steal Your Own Inheritance? A Trust Beneficiary’s Bold Claim
An interesting fact pattern came across my desk last week. I’ve changed the facts slightly to preserve the confidence of the people involved and obtained…
Navigating Omitted Spouse Statutes in Estate Planning: A Cautionary Tale
Introduction: Proper estate planning ensures assets are distributed according to your wishes after you’re gone. However, what happens when a pre-nuptial agreement and an estate…