7-Step Estate Planning for Parents & Homeowners to Protect HeirsPARENTS & HOMEOWNERS: MY 7-STEP ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS WILL PROTECT YOUR HEIRS
Protecting Your Family from Creditors and Bad ChoicesFrom Creditors, Predators & Bad Choices, And Will Help You Become a (Bigger) Hero to Your Family!
The Top 10 Myths About Wills and Trusts Debunked
The Top 10 Myths About Wills and Trusts Debunked When it comes to estate planning, misconceptions abound. Wills and trusts are often misunderstood, leading many to make uninformed decisions. In this blog post, we’ll explore and debunk the top 10 myths about wills and trusts, providing clarity and peace of mind for your estate planning…
Special Needs Trusts Explained: California Families’ Guide 2025
Special Needs Trusts might sound complicated, but for California families these legal tools are more important than ever. Here’s something most people miss. A single inheritance over $2,000 can wipe out someone’s eligibility for Medi-Cal or SSI overnight. That sounds risky, right? Yet the real power of Special Needs Trusts is not just saving benefits,…
Do I Need A Will in California?
You might wonder, “Do I need a will?”. As an estate planning lawyer in California, I hear this question often. The simple answer is yes, and here’s why. A will is not just about distributing your assets; it’s about making sure your wishes are known and respected after you’re gone. Without a will, the state…
How to Have Difficult Conversations About Estate Planning with Family
You might feel uneasy about discussing estate planning with your family, but taking this step is vital for ensuring your wishes are honored and minimizing future conflicts. It’s important to approach these conversations with clarity and empathy, ensuring everyone understands the implications of your decisions. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, you can navigate…
The Benefits of a Will and Trust Combination
What is a Will and Trust? Definition of a Will A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets and possessions will be distributed after their death. It allows individuals to name beneficiaries, specify who will inherit specific assets, and appoint an executor to…
The Importance of Naming a Guardian in Your Will
What Does It Mean to Name a Guardian in Your Will? In the context of estate planning, naming a guardian in your will is one of the most significant decisions you can make as a parent. A guardian is a person legally designated to care for your minor children in the event of your death.…
Estate Planning for Business Owners: What You Need to Know
Estate Planning for Business Owners: What You Need to Know Estate planning is often thought of as a task for later in life, but for business owners, it’s a crucial step that shouldn’t be postponed. Not only does it ensure your personal and business assets are distributed according to your wishes, but it also provides…
Living Trust vs Will in California: 2025 Guide for Families
Estate planning in California is about much more than simply writing a will. Probate expenses can eat up as much as 7 percent of your estate in legal fees and delays. Most people assume a basic will is enough to safeguard family assets and pass wealth to children. The real surprise is that a living…
How Do Changes to My Trusts Affect My Taxes?
Hello there! I’m Eric Ridley, an estate planning lawyer from California. Today, let’s talk about something that puzzles many: how do changes to your trusts affect your taxes? Trusts are like containers where you keep your assets for the future. They come in different shapes and sizes, and yes, they interact with taxes in various…
How Can I Make My Will Legally Valid In California?
As an estate planning attorney practicing in California, I have experience helping individuals create legally sound wills tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Facing the intricacies of will creation can feel overwhelming, but I strive to make the process straightforward and stress-free with my guidance. Let’s explore the steps to ensure your will is…
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Mr. Ridley is just fantastic. He is knowledgable, attentive, honest and was very patient with my many many questions about my legal situation. I am especially appreciative that he helped me to understand that my situation had a resolution in s(...)
Reasonable Cost
Eric did an excellent job creating our Living Trust. His work was very detailed and thorough, and at a very reasonable cost. I could reach him easily to discuss concerns or questions, and he offered great advice. His depth and e(...)
Favorite Lawyer of All Time
Eric Ridley has to be my favorite Lawyer of all time. He helped me out tremendously being the executor of a family trust. I would give him 10 out of 10 no doubt! He did such a good job for me that I recommended him t(...)
