2023

Preventing Will Challenges Through Effective California Estate Planning Ensuring the success and integrity of your estate plan goes beyond simply drafting documents—it also means shielding it from potential legal challenges. In California, a will contest can disrupt the intended distribution of assets and the desires of the deceased. That’s why partnering with experienced estate planning … Read more

Generally speaking, “estate litigation” is a type of civil litigation that is conducted in the Probate Courts here in California. Litigation is somewhat like what you see depicted on television shows and movies. Courtrooms, judges, juries (sometimes), lawyers, and civil procedure are involved in the late stages of California estate litigation. Note that “civil” litigation … Read more

In California Estate Planning, both for Last Wills and Testaments (“Wills”) and for Trusts, there is a need for “residuary clauses.” Indeed, it is best said that Wills and Trusts MUST contain residuary clauses. In this article, the California Estate Planning attorneys at the Guardian Litigation Group explain what California residuary clauses are and why … Read more

Yes. Very likely, the old version of your Last Will and Testament (“Will”) contained provisions that gave certain assets to your ex-spouse. Typically, the provisions in your old Will are phrased in terms of your ex-spouse and will identify that spouse by name. A typical example might read something like this: “I give to my … Read more

When preparing for your California Estate Planning, you are urged to avoid overlooking one aspect of your finances and financial architecture, which is various automatic and automated accounts. One common example includes auto-debit accounts for monthly and other recurring expenses like mortgage payments, internet service, streaming services, and cell phone service. It is, of course, … Read more

To many people, California living revocable trusts may sound confusing, too technical, and overly complicated to be worth the bother. But, in truth, living revocable trusts are simple, and with a little practice, they are relatively “easy” to use. Further, if you want to avoid California probate proceedings post-death, a California revocable living trust is … Read more

Everyone has a digital presence, even if they are not social media influencers, Instagram stars, or have vast YouTube followings. The digital presence of most people is mundane and involves things like email accounts, user accounts set up with various online platforms, and auto-debit accounts for bills and recurring deliveries and services. Whether extensive or … Read more

When you’ve worked hard to build a financial nest egg, it’s natural to wonder what will happen to your bank accounts once you’re no longer around. In California, the fate of your accounts largely depends on whether you’ve taken steps to plan for this scenario. Let’s explore your options to ensure a smoother transition of … Read more

  California estate planning is a vital endeavor, not exclusive to the elderly or the wealthy. By initiating this process early in your career and life, estate planning strategies will become second nature, safeguarding you and your family from probate court, burdensome taxes, and post-death complexities. Equip yourself to handle new assets with confidence, ensuring … Read more

If you want to give assets and property to a charitable institution as part of your estate planning, you should consider charitable trusts. Charitable trusts are designed to be particularly useful for assets that have appreciated in value significantly since they were purchased (or will significantly increase in value). A couple of examples include artwork … Read more