Throughout my practice, I have had many clients tell me that once a trust becomes irrevocable, nothing can ever be changed. While an irrevocable trust is certainly much more difficult to modify than a revocable living trust, that does not necessarily mean every provision is permanently set in sto...

Naming beneficiaries is one of the most important parts of creating an estate plan. Most people carefully decide who should receive their assets, but few stop to consider what happens if one of those beneficiaries passes away before they do. While it may seem like an unlikely situation, it is one...

Over the years, I have had many families come into my office after a loved one has passed away only to discover that they cannot locate the deed to a home or other real property. This is a more common issue than most people expect, and it can create unnecessary stress during an already difficult ...

Over the years, I have had clients carefully set up their California trusts with successor trustees in place, thinking they have fully covered every possible scenario. One situation that is often overlooked, however, is what happens when a trustee themselves becomes incapacitated. While most peop...

One of the most common questions people have about probate is: "How much does it cost?" If you're dealing with the loss of a loved one or planning your estate, understanding the costs associated with probate is crucial. Here, we'll break down the typical expenses you might encounter during probat...

When the settlor of a trust (the person who created it) passes away, the named Successor Trustee assumes the responsibility of managing and administering the trust's assets. One of the most frequently asked questions is: How should a Successor Trustee determine reasonable compensation? In Califor...