PARENTS & HOMEOWNERS: MY 7-STEP ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS WILL PROTECT YOUR HEIRS
From Creditors, Predators & Bad Choices, And Will Help You Become a (Bigger) Hero to Your Family!
What Happens if I Die Without a Will in California?
Alright, let’s start simple. If you die without a will in California, the state decides who gets your stuff. Yep, it’s called “intestate succession.” Simply put, the state has rules in place to determine where your property goes, and it might not be where you’d want it to go. If you had some heirlooms you…
Can I Disinherit Someone In My Will In California?
In California, you have the legal right to disinherit someone in your will. Disinheritance means explicitly stating in your will that you do not want a particular person to inherit any part of your estate. This can be done for various reasons, whether personal disagreements, estrangement, or simply wanting to allocate your assets differently. However,…
Irrevocable Trust Definition: Estate Planning for California Families (2025)
Estate planning in California just got a lot more complicated. The federal estate tax exemption is dropping to 5.49 million dollars per individual starting in 2025, which means many more families could face hefty tax bills. You might assume a family trust takes care of the problem. Not quite. Only irrevocable trusts can truly lock…
How to Ensure Your Estate Plan Reflects Your Current Wishes
How to Ensure Your Estate Plan Reflects Your Current Wishes In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of keeping your estate plan up-to-date. Yet, ensuring that your estate plan reflects your current wishes is crucial for protecting your legacy and providing peace of mind to your loved ones. Whether…
What is a Trust?
Hello! I’m Eric Ridley from The Law Office of Eric Ridley in California. Today, I’m here to talk about something that might sound complex but is quite simple: trusts. You might have heard this term thrown around in legal circles or seen it in movies, but what exactly is trust? Let’s dive in, but I…
Planning for the Unexpected: Securing Your Child’s Future as a Single Parent
Introduction Estate planning is a crucial step for single parents to ensure the future well-being and care of their children.Single parents face unique considerations and challenges, making estate planning even more important for their specific circumstances.By creating a comprehensive estate plan, single parents can protect their children and have peace of mind knowing that…
Why Is Estate Planning Important?
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it is for everyone who wants to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored after they pass away. As an estate planning lawyer at The Law Office of Eric Ridley in California, I am here to guide you through this important process. Estate planning…
Can You Contest a Will in California? A Guide for Families (2025)
Thinking about contesting a will in California might sound straightforward. Not so fast. Only about 2 out of every 100 wills are successfully challenged in court in the state. Most people are surprised to learn that simply being a relative who feels shortchanged is not enough. In California, unless you have a direct financial or…
Choosing Between a Living Will and a Healthcare Proxy
Choosing Between a Living Will and a Healthcare Proxy: A Comprehensive Guide When it comes to planning for the future, particularly regarding healthcare decisions, the terms “Living Will” and “Healthcare Proxy” often come up. These are essential tools in ensuring your medical wishes are respected if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. But what’s the…
Estate Planning 101: What You Need to Know to Secure Your Future
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of an individual’s assets and liabilities upon their death or incapacity. It is a crucial aspect of financial planning that ensures your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are provided for in the event of your passing. A comprehensive estate plan…
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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(...)
