Blog

March 30, 2020

Do I need a lawyer for probate? This is a question you may ask yourself when going through estate issues. Probate is a court process that is often lengthy and complex.

Feb. 17, 2020

The SECURE Act is a bipartisan piece of legislation that went into effect on January 1, 2020. It is the first major piece of legislation passed concerning retirement since 2006.

Jan. 14, 2020

One of the most commonly held misconceptions is that “anyone can write their own will.” While do-it-yourself (DIY) will packages are available online, many people make serious mistakes when attempting to create their own estate planning documents.

Dec. 20, 2019

Many people believe that only the rich need an estate plan. This is not the case. Even if you do not have many assets, you still have an estate. As such, it is important to plan for what happens to that estate once you are gone.

Nov. 25, 2019

Most people believe that simply drafting a will is enough to protect their estate and their loved ones when they are gone. Yet, a solid estate plan involves more than just drafting a Last Will and Testament.

Oct. 15, 2019

One of the most important decisions you can make in life is what will happen to your estate and your loved ones after you are gone. Many people think a will is enough to protect their loved ones from probate, but a living trust has major advantages.

Sept. 25, 2019

Probate is a process carried out after the death of a loved one to distribute his or her estate to family members. Without a will or a trust, the California probate court will appoint an administrator to oversee the probate process for the deceased's estate.

Sept. 6, 2019

California lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 139 (AB 139) in September 2015. Prior to the passage of this law, which went into effect on January 1, 2016, certain homeowners had a more difficult time ensuring their homes would not go through probate after death.

July 29, 2019

Probate is a type of court proceeding that can be confusing, expensive and very time-consuming for beneficiaries. After your passing, if you do not have a solid estate plan in place and your assets exceed $166,250, the probate court may decide who will receive your assets.

June 26, 2019

Upon your death or the death of a loved one, certain assets may need to pass through probate, depending on the circumstances. While there are tools that can help you avoid probate, such as a living trust, it is also important to understand that not all estates are required to go through probate.