Estate planning is the process of organizing and preparing for the distribution of your assets after your death. It also includes providing authorization for others to act on your behalf should you become incapacitated and unable to make your own medical or financial...
Protecting Your Family.
Preserving Your Legacy.
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If I have a Will, Do I need a Trust?
The answer to this question depends upon your specific situation. In California, a Will does not prevent your estate from going through probate. Probate is the court oversight of the administration and distribution of a deceased person’s estate. Probate is very...
What Is Intestate Succession?
In California, if you own any property when you die that is not distributed by a Will, Trust, or beneficiary designation, or that is not jointly owned by someone who survives you, that property will be distributed to your heirs under “intestate succession” laws. So,...

Why estate planning isn’t all about DEATH
Most people think of an estate plan as documents that distribute their property to their beneficiaries after their death. However, an estate plan does so much more than just this. It also protects you and your family should you suffer an accident or debilitating...

Hay is for horses…and so are pet trusts…
If you have adopted horses as a member of your family, you already know that they may live 25 - 30 years, plus. It is therefore a possibility that your precious ponies could outlive you. Horses are large animals that require equally large care - expensive food,...
How to Avoid a Will or Trust Contest
A Will that is poorly written or not frequently updated can be vulnerable to contestation. What is contestation? It is the formal objection to a Will’s or Trust’s validity. Reasons for contesting a Will or Trust may include claims that the document does not reflect...