The Journal — Plain-English Estate Law
Plain-English guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family in California.
Can You Sell a House That’s in a Living Trust? (California)
Yes — while you're alive you sell it exactly like any other house, no 'taking it out of the trust' required. What escrow will ask for, and how…
Read →Does a Power of Attorney End at Death in California?
Yes — every power of attorney dies with the principal. What actually gives you authority after a death in California, and what to do if you've been using…
Read →The Bank Won’t Accept My Power of Attorney: California Fixes
California banks must honor a valid statutory power of attorney — and can owe attorney's fees if they unreasonably refuse. The exact escalation steps that work.
Read →Can Someone With Dementia Amend a Trust in California?
A dementia diagnosis doesn't automatically bar a trust amendment in California. The sliding-scale capacity standard courts actually use, and how to protect a late-life change.
Read →Leaving Money to a Caregiver in California: The §21380 Rules
California law presumes a gift to a paid caregiver is the product of fraud or undue influence — unless you follow one specific procedure. How the certificate of…
Read →Can You Disinherit Your Spouse in California?
You can only give away your half — community property limits what any California will or trust can do to a spouse. Omitted-spouse rights, valid waivers, and what…
Read →Do Beneficiaries Pay Taxes on Trust Distributions in California?
Sometimes — it depends on DNI, not on whether the check is labeled 'principal.' How K-1s work, what's taxable, and the California throwback rule nobody warns you about.
Read →Do Irrevocable Trust Assets Get a Step-Up in Basis at Death?
Only if the assets are included in the taxable estate — Rev. Rul. 2023-2 settled it. What that means for California families, plus the community-property double step-up.
Read →Want a straight read on where you stand?
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