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Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples: Legal Considerations

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley| Jul 4, 2025

Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples: Legal Considerations Estate planning is a crucial process for everyone, but for same-sex couples, it can present unique challenges and considerations. With evolving laws and potential disparities across regions, it is essential for same-sex couples to understand the specific legal elements involved in estate planning. Let’s delve into these considerations…

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Trust vs Probate Distribution in California: 2025 Guide

By tilen| Jul 4, 2025

California families often assume their assets will transfer smoothly after they pass. Here is where it gets surprising. Probate in California can swallow up 4 to 7 percent of an estate’s value and drag on for up to 18 months, slashing inheritances and draining family patience. Yet the real curveball is this. A simple change…

ESTATE PLANNING AND COVID-19

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley| Jul 4, 2025

When the reality of the coronavirus Covid-19 initially began to sink in, people everywhere rushed out to buy toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and other items essential for staying at home indefinitely. Now that Covid-19 is an indispensable part of our daily conversations, individuals are becoming aware of another critical necessity: Coronavirus uncertainties emphasize the need…

A Beginner’s Guide to Estate Planning in Ventura

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley| Jul 4, 2025

A Beginner’s Guide to Estate Planning in Ventura Welcome to your ultimate guide to estate planning in Ventura! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing plan, this guide is crafted to help you navigate the process with ease. We’ll cover everything from the basics to more specific local considerations. Grab a…

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What Are The Basics And Benefits Of Starting A Trust?

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley| Jul 4, 2025

Many clients come to me with questions about trusts: What are they? How do they work? Why should I consider creating one? As an estate planning lawyer at The Law Office of Eric Ridley in California, I’m here to demystify the concept of trusts for you. In simple terms, a trust is a legal arrangement…

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How Do I Include My Charitable Giving Wishes in My Estate Plan?

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley| Jul 4, 2025

Estate planning is not just about distributing your assets among your loved ones; it’s also an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the causes you care about. Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan allows you to support the organizations and causes that hold significance for you. As an Estate Planning Lawyer based in…

The Importance of Regularly Reviewing Your Estate Plan

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley| Jul 3, 2025

The Importance of Regularly Reviewing Your Estate Plan Planning for the future is an essential part of life, yet many of us tend to put it off. One crucial aspect of future planning is managing our estate plans. While creating an estate plan is a significant step, regularly reviewing it is equally important. Why, you…

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Probate Alternatives in California: Smart Strategies for Families 2025

By tilen| Jul 3, 2025

Probate in California can eat up a shocking amount of your family’s inheritance. Legal fees on a $500,000 estate can soar to $26,000 or more and that’s before accounting for months or even years of paperwork and stress. Most people think a simple will keeps things smooth for their loved ones. Think again. The truth…

Do I Need a Will or a Trust? Understanding the Basics of Estate Planning

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley| Jul 3, 2025

Understanding the Basics of Estate Planning Estate planning involves creating a comprehensive plan for the distribution of assets and management of affairs after death. This process is an integral part of managing one’s financial life, as it ensures that personal and financial wishes are honored after passing. Key components of estate planning include wills, trusts,…

When is Probate Required in California?

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley| Jul 3, 2025

If a person dies and leaves behind an estate, property, or assets in California that needs to be transferred to a beneficiary, probate is required. If a decedent’s property is left behind, the probate process provides distribution of that property to the heirs of the decedent. Survivors may also open probate proceedings if the decedent…

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