AB 565 Explained: How California’s New Virtual Representation Law Simplifies Trust Administration
California AB 565 virtual representation is the most significant change to trust administration notice rules in decades, and most California trustees don’t know it exists yet. Effective January 1, 2026, this new law rewrites Probate Code Section 15804 to let one beneficiary stand in for another who cannot act for themselves, eliminating costly court petitions that used to be the only option. If you serve as a trustee for a California trust with minor, incapacitated, or unborn beneficiaries, here is what you need to know.
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.
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.
Beneficiary Designations in California Estate Planning: A Complete Guide (2026)
Your beneficiary designations can override your will, your trust, and your wishes. One outdated form could send your retirement savings to an ex-spouse instead of your children. Here is how to get them right under California law.
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.
Selling a House in San Diego Probate: Step-by-Step California Guide (2026)
Selling a house in probate can be challenging. This expert guide outlines crucial steps when selling a house in San Diego probate, clarifying legal processes and options for personal representatives.
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.
Estate Planning for Bitcoin in 2026: How to Fund a Trust With Bitcoin and Protect Your Cryptocurrency
Estate planning for Bitcoin may be the most overlooked gap in your family’s financial protection. An estimated 30% of American adults hold cryptocurrency in 2026, but the blockchain has no beneficiary form, no transfer-on-death designation, and no customer service line. If your successor trustee cannot find your private key, your Bitcoin dies with you.
California Revocable Living Trust: 7 Critical Steps to Protect Your Family from Probate
A California Revocable Living Trust helps protect your assets, avoid probate, and keep your estate private. Learn how it works under California law and how Opelon LLP, a trusted Carlsbad estate planning firm, can help you plan with confidence.
2026 Federal Estate Tax Exemption: What California Families Need to Know
Big changes are here for estate planning in 2026. The federal estate tax exemption has increased to $15,000,000 for an individual and $30,000,000 for a married couple, a significant jump from the 2025 exemption of $13.99 million.
So how does this affect you? Put simply, you will only owe federal estate tax if the total value of your estate exceeds these thresholds