Recent Articles

New & Redesigned Blog Coming Up!

August 27, 2009 18:59

Since our last post was about Michael Jackson's death in June, it may seem that his passing has caused the lack of posts since then. But in reality, the blog is being moved to a new domain, new host and...Since our last post was about Michael Jackson's death in June, it may seem that his passing...

Celebrities Die Just Like the Rest of Us.

June 25, 2009 23:13

Three very notable celebrities have died. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson. Each had families. Each had loved ones. Each had assets. And each had potential contestants to their estate. Did each have an estate plan in place...Three very notable celebrities have died. Ed McMahon,...

Is It Worth It?

June 10, 2009 18:32

Is it worth it to hire an attorney to draw up a will, trust or other estate planning documents? Kiplinger.com on personal finance and business says it is worth it. They posted a fun 10 question quiz about is it...Is it worth it to hire an attorney to draw up a will, trust or other estate planning...

Standard of Care: Quick Analysis for Estate Planning Attorneys

June 01, 2009 20:45

Estate planning attorneys must always be cognizant of issues surrounding capacity and incapacity of their cilents when preparing and executing estate plans at their client's direction. Here are some recent thoughts about standard of care required by an estate planning...Estate planning attorneys...

A Day In Conservatorship Court

May 06, 2009 16:30

Probate courts typically hear certain types of matters on certain days. This is true for especially larger courts that serve a larger population. Take for example, Orange County Superior Court's probate department located at the Betty Lou Lamoreaux Justice Center...Probate courts typically hear...

Your Children and Their Inheirtance.

May 05, 2009 17:55

When you set up a living trust -- you will be faced with some choices on how to handle or set up your children's potential future inheritance. (I say potential because you could die broke.) This is where a good...When you set up a living trust -- you will be faced with some choices on how to handle...

A Few Probate Q&As

May 01, 2009 17:29

We handle probate cases as a routine part of our practice. Probate for an experienced attorney with no issues (meaning no contests or uncooperative beneficiaries) is very straightforward. That said, the act of opening probate and probate an estate is...We handle probate cases as a routine part of...

Alone? How about some EP documents as preventative medicine?

April 15, 2009 17:07

I made a court appearance regarding a conservatorship matter earlier this week. We represent a conservator who is a friend of the conservatee. What happened to the conservatee -- she's a nice lady in her late 60s and lives alone....I made a court appearance regarding a conservatorship matter...

Trust Admin Process in a Nutshell.

March 26, 2009 18:02

The Trust Administration process after the settlor or settlors have died is usually thought of in four phases. This is assuming that for a single person trust that the person who created the Trust, the settlor, has died. This is...The Trust Administration process after the settlor or settlors have...

Tax Season -- Great Reminder to Consult with Professionals.

March 20, 2009 18:23

Tax season has fully descended upon all Americans. (Also, Girl Scout cookies as well. Girl Scout cookies are much more palatable!) I received a complimentary copy of Roni Lynn Deutch's book, The Tax Lady's Guide to Beating the IRS and...Tax season has fully descended upon all Americans. (Also, Girl...