Probate Avoidance – What Does That Really Mean?

While estate planning buzzwords like “Probate Avoidance”, “Beneficiary” and “Property Transfers upon Death” are becoming more common, the understanding of these may not be fully realized. This article takes a closer look at a common phrase used by people performing research for their estate plan – “Probate Avoidance”.  While this article lays out some of the stresses of probate court, it may only apply to those who do not have a solid estate planning instrument in place.

So in many cases with estate planning, consumers of Living Trusts and Wills in California are looking to transfer property to their loved ones […]

By |Estate Planning, Living Trusts|
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Important Steps to Consider When Getting a Divorce

Seek Protection

If you have reason to believe that your husband or wife might become violent against you or your children, can have the ability to abduct the children, or can even take funds from any accounts or conceal properties, there are steps you can take in an effort to protect yourself.

A few of these protective steps may include obtaining a court order in an effort to prevent domestic abuse, alerting your child’s school that the child can only be released to you, or even securing a passport restriction to avoid your child from being taken outside of the country. You […]

By |Child & Spousal Support, Court Forms, Divorce|
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Where to file a Conservatorship in Riverside County

As our parents age or as special needs children reach the age of majority filing for conservatorship is often necessary to continue to provide for their needs and wellbeing. The California Courts, specifically the probate division are tasked with handling conservatorship proceedings. While there are 58 Counties in California and each County may have a handful of Probate Divisions, the process, timeline and costs are typically uniform since the County Superior Courts are under the same California Judicial System. Simply put, a conservatorship case filed in Los Angeles County would likely run the same course as it would if filed […]

By |Conservatorships, Local Resources, Probate|
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The Difference Between a Legal Separation and a Divorce in California

Making the decision between filing for a legal separation or for filing for a divorce can be challenging. Here is a quick reference to some of the major differences and similarities.

Understanding the Distinctions Between Filing For a Legal Separation and Filing For a Divorce

When filing for either a legal separation or a divorce, it is important to know that both have very similar processes, timelines and costs, but the end result in a divorce is the termination of a marriage. There is a date of separation between the parties in both procedures, which affects how property and finances will be […]

By |Divorce, Legal Separation|
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Where to File My Living Trust in California

With the “Baby Boomers” aging and more awareness with regards to estate planning, Living Trusts are as popular as ever as a tool for California residents to state their wishes as well as attempt to avoid the California probate process. While Living Trusts are common, understanding many of the details, documents and how it all functions can still be elusive to those getting ready to have Living Trusts prepared as part of their estate planning.

One big question that people getting ready to prepare living trust documents could be “Where Do I File My Trust”.  This is a relevant question as […]

By |Estate Planning, Living Trusts|
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