The Journal — Plain-English Estate Law
Plain-English guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family in California.
Understanding the HIPAA Release and Its Importance in Estate Planning
Short answer: A HIPAA release, also called a HIPAA authorization, names who is allowed to see your medical records and speak with your doctors if you cannot speak…
Read →Same-Sex Estate Planning Guide
Plan your 2026 estate: Same-sex couples guide. Protect assets, inheritance, healthcare wishes. Expert legal advice ensures your future. Get started today.
Read →Protective Trusts How They Work
Quick answer: A protective trust (most commonly called a spendthrift trust in California) lets a grantor leave assets to a beneficiary while putting a trustee in control of…
Read →The Impact of California Laws on Estate Planning
Short answer: California estate planning looks different from other states because California is a community property state, has no state estate or inheritance tax, and forces any estate…
Read →CA Will Guide: Your Valid Will
Create a valid CA will in 2026 with this guide. As a California attorney, I simplify the process and ensure it meets legal requirements for capacity,...
Read →The Dangers of Adding Your Children to Your Bank Account: Why Its a Terrible Idea
Quick answer: Adding your child as a joint owner on your bank account exposes your savings to their creditors, their divorce proceedings, and potential financial abuse. When you…
Read →When Do You Need a Pour-Over Will?
Short answer: You need a pour-over will if you have a revocable living trust, full stop. The trust only controls what you actually transferred into it during your…
Read →Understanding Trusts: A Comprehensive Guide
Short answer: A trust is a legal arrangement where you, as the grantor, transfer assets to a trustee, who manages them for a beneficiary under written terms. In…
Read →Want a straight read on where you stand?
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