Lessons From the Juice: What OJ Simpson’s Estate Teaches Us in 2025
When OJ Simpson died in 2024, the drama didn’t end; it simply moved from the courtroom to the probate court. Overnight, his estate became a national spectacle: massive debts, a decades-old wrongful death judgment, missing assets, and a trust that raised more questions than answers. But behind all the headlines lies something far more important than celebrity intrigue. Simpson’s estate is a real-world reminder of what can go wrong when lawsuits, creditors, and complicated family dynamics collide and why everyday families need to plan ahead long before chaos hits.
What is an Executor? 7 Essential Executor Duties in California Probate
Serving as an executor in California can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving and trying to make the right decisions for your family. This article breaks down, in plain English, what an executor does, how the probate process works in San Diego County, common pitfalls to avoid, and when it makes sense to partner with a local probate attorney so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Securing Your Legacy: A Comprehensive Guide to Beneficiary Designations in California Estate Planning (2025 Update)
Learn how California’s 2025 laws on beneficiary designations, RTODDs, and spousal consent affect your estate plan. Discover how to protect your legacy and avoid probate with insights from Opelon LLP.
Owen Rassman Named Superlawyer in 2026- A Third Consecutive Year of Superb Excellence
Owen Rassman Named Superlawyer for the third year—recognized for exceptional estate planning and probate law in Carlsbad and San Diego.
Navigating a Heggstad Petition in San Diego: Understanding Probate Code § 850 for Trust Asset Transfers
Gain insights into Heggstad petitions in San Diego. This key guide explains the probate code § 850 and offers trustees and beneficiaries a streamlined way to confirm that assets left out of a trust were still intended to be included. This process avoids the delays of full probate while ensuring a decedent’s intent is honored. Learn how this petition works and why it is a vital tool in California trust administration.
Protecting an Estate Beneficiary with Addiction Issues through California Estate Planning
Navigate estate planning for a beneficiary with addiction issues in California. Learn to protect their interests with spendthrift trusts and smart strategies.
California Estate Planning Case Study: 21 Real Challenges Solved with Trusts
California Estate Planning Case Study: Discover how real families in California overcame complex legal and financial challenges through smart trust-based strategies. From protecting special needs children to avoiding probate on high-value real estate, these examples highlight practical, attorney-approved solutions.
Where to Store Estate Planning Documents? (7 Best Practices and Tips)
Have you ever wondered “Where should I store my estate planning documents?” If so, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the best places to store your estate planning documents.
Attorneys for Living Trust vs. DIY Trust Kits: 5 Reasons to Proceed with Caution!
Attorneys for Living Trust beat DIY kits. Discover 5 California-tested reasons—deeds, funding, and child protections—that help San Diego/Carlsbad families avoid probate and costly mistakes. Keep reading → Plus, get a quick checklist to decide when DIY is okay—and when to call a pro.
Opelon LLP’s Lawyer Matt Odgers Named to 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
San Diego, August 21, 2025 — Opelon LLP is pleased to announce that partner Matt Odgers lawyer has been included in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.