Passing away without a will or trust in California is known as “dying intestate.” When this happens, your assets will be distributed in a predetermined manner that applies to all Californians who die intestate. This...
Category: Estate Planning
The short answer is yes. This is largely because a revocable living trust can be used to directly transfer assets to your beneficiaries. Meanwhile, a will must go through the probate court process. That process can take well...
Canadian Snowbirds and California Real Estate: Why Your Estate Plan Needs to Work on Both Sides of the Border
April 23, 2026
Every winter, thousands of Canadians trade the cold for the Coachella Valley, settling into condos and vacation homes across Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert. The lifestyle is easy. The legal picture is not. If...
Why a Will Alone Is Not Enough in California
April 15, 2026
Picture this: a loved one passes away, and the family assumes everything is taken care of because there was a will. Then the phone calls start. An attorney explains that the estate must go through probate. Months pass. Court...
Imagine spending years building a life with someone you love, only to discover that the law does not automatically protect the family you have created together. For same-sex couples, unmarried partners, and chosen families...