5 Reasons Why Trust Lawyers San Diego are Essential
Trust lawyers in San Diego do more than draft documents. They help you avoid a probate process that can take over a year, cost tens of thousands in statutory fees, and leave your family dealing with paperwork instead of grieving in peace. Here’s what a qualified trust attorney actually does for California families, and why it matters.
Does 21 Years Still Matter Under the Rule Against Perpetuities in California?
Rule Against Perpetuities is one of the most misunderstood phrases in estate planning, and in California, it rarely works the way people think it does. Many families worry about the famous “21-year rule,” even though modern California law uses a very different approach. Understanding the difference can save your trust from unnecessary complexity and unintended consequences.
5 Costly Mistakes Families Make When Using AI for Estate Planning
AI estate planning tools promise savings but can cost California families unnecessary expense and heartache for their loved ones if they fail. Learn the 5 mistakes that lead to disaster.
Transferring Car Title of a Decedent in California: 2026 Guide
Transferring a deceased person’s vehicle is one of the first practical tasks families face after losing a loved one. The good news? California allows most vehicle title transfers without probate. This guide walks you through the DMV forms, 40-day waiting period, fees, and exemptions that San Diego County families need to know.
5 Costly Mistakes with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Naming your revocable trust as IRA beneficiary could trigger costly Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) problems. Learn the 5 most common mistakes California families make and how to coordinate your retirement accounts with your estate plan to protect your heirs.
California Small Estate Affidavit: How to Transfer Assets Without Probate in 2026
A California small estate affidavit could save your family months of waiting and thousands of dollars in court costs. If your loved one’s estate is valued at $208,850 or less, you may be able to collect their bank accounts, investments, and personal property without ever stepping foot in probate court. Here’s exactly how the process works and whether you qualify.
Probate vs Non-Probate Assets: 3 Key Differences
Understanding probate vs non probate assets can save California families months of waiting and thousands in court costs. Learn which assets must go through probate court and which transfer directly to beneficiaries. This guide covers California thresholds, timelines, and strategies to minimize probate exposure.
Understanding California Intestate Succession: Who Gets What in 2026?
California intestate succession laws determine exactly who inherits your property if you die without a will, and the results may surprise you. Whether you are planning your own estate or recently lost a loved one without a will, understanding who qualifies as an heir, beneficiary, or next of kin can prevent costly mistakes and family conflict.
How Long is California Probate Without a Will: (12-18 Month Timeline)
California probate without a will happens more often than most families expect. When someone dies intestate, the court steps in to determine who inherits based on state law, not personal wishes. The process takes 12 to 18 months, involves statutory fees based on gross estate value, and requires court appointment of an administrator. Understanding how intestate probate works in California helps heirs prepare for the legal and financial realities ahead.
California Trust Administration Process: Your Complete 8 Step Guide
The trust administration process can seem daunting when you’ve just lost a loved one and suddenly find yourself responsible for managing their trust. The good news is that unlike probate, trust administration in California typically happens outside of court, making it faster, more private, and significantly less costly. This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to do and when.