PARENTS & HOMEOWNERS: MY 7-STEP ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS WILL PROTECT YOUR HEIRS

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The Top 5 Legal Documents Everyone Should Have in Their Estate Plan

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jul 26, 2025

The Top 5 Legal Documents Everyone Should Have in Their Estate Plan Planning for the future can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to matters of estate planning. However, ensuring that you have the right legal documents in place is crucial not just for your peace of mind but also for the well-being…

Can I Skip Over My Children and Leave Assets to My Grandchildren Instead?

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jul 26, 2025

It is a common question that pops up during estate planning. Grandparents want to know if it’s irresponsible, rude, or just “wrong” of them to leave their assets to their grandchildren rather than to their children. This may be because they feel their children won’t responsibly handle the assets upon their death. Another reason could…

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The Hidden Cost of “Leaving the House to the Kids” in California

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jul 26, 2025

The Hidden Cost of “Leaving the House to the Kids” in California Inheriting a family home in California might seem like a straightforward and sentimental way to pass on wealth to the next generation. However, the reality is far more complex and fraught with financial and legal challenges. California’s evolving property tax laws, particularly under Proposition…

4th Amendment Protects Email

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jul 26, 2025

This is kind of a big deal. The 6th Circuit today ruled that 4th amendment protections extend to email, even email stored on your ISP’s servers.

We Got Another Ripoff Report Review Removed!

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jul 26, 2025

Remove Negative Ripoff Report Reviews Ripoff Report has become, in some ways, the scourge of review sites. Any negative review can have serious consequences for a business. However, Ripoff Report ranks very high with Google, refuses to remove unfair, untrue, defamatory and damaging reports even under court order, and permits anonymous reviews which can destroy…

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How to Update Estate Documents California: 2025 Guide

By tilen | Jul 26, 2025

Most people assume writing a will or trust is enough to keep their assets safe in California, and over two thirds of Americans never update their estate documents after the initial draft. Yet laws and family situations change fast. That old paperwork you filed years ago could leave your loved ones tangled in court or…

How to Navigate Estate Planning with a Blended Family

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jul 25, 2025

How to Navigate Estate Planning with a Blended Family Estate planning can be complex, and when it involves a blended family, the intricacies multiply. With multiple stakeholders and unique dynamics, ensuring that your wishes are honored can be challenging. This guide will walk you through the steps to make the process smoother and more effective.…

How to Plan for Long-Term Care in Your Estate Plan

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jul 25, 2025

Understanding Long-Term Care and Its Importance Long-term care refers to a range of services designed to meet the personal and medical needs of individuals who are unable to perform basic daily activities independently due to aging, illness, or disability. These services can include assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, as well as skilled medical…

Updating Your Will – When And Why You Should Rethink Your Estate Plan

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jul 25, 2025

Over time, your life circumstances, financial situation, and personal relationships can change significantly, making it necessary for you to reassess and update your will. Whether you have experienced a major life event such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, these shifts can directly impact your estate plan. By staying proactive in managing…

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Avoiding Probate in California: Strategies for Families in 2025

By tilen | Jul 24, 2025

Families in California worry about losing hard-earned assets to the probate process, and for good reason. Probate can swallow up 4% to 7% of an estate’s value in fees and take as long as two years to settle, stripping money and control away during a time of grief. Yet, most people are surprised to learn…

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