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!
How Estate Planning Attorneys Can Help with Trust Administration
What Is Trust Administration? Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing the assets held within a trust according to the terms outlined in the trust document. A trust is a legal arrangement where one party, known as the trustee, holds and manages assets for the benefit of another party, called the beneficiary. Trust…
Estate Planning in Camarillo: What You Need to Know
What is Estate Planning and Why is it Important? Estate planning is the process of organizing and preparing for the management and distribution of your assets after your death or in the event you become incapacitated. It involves creating legal documents, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, to ensure your wishes are carried…
How to Protect Your Assets with Trusts
What is a Trust? A trust is a legal arrangement that allows one party, known as the grantor, to transfer assets to another party, the trustee, who manages those assets on behalf of a third party, the beneficiary. Think of it as a financial safety net designed to protect and manage your wealth according to…
How to Protect Your Assets with a Revocable Living Trust
What Is a Revocable Living Trust? A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to manage and protect your assets during your lifetime and distribute them after your death without the need for probate. Unlike irrevocable trusts, which cannot be altered once established, a revocable living trust offers flexibility. As the grantor…
How to Avoid Common Probate Pitfalls
What is Probate and Why Does it Matter? Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. It involves validating the deceased’s will (if one exists), settling debts, and ensuring the proper transfer of assets. While probate serves an essential role in estate administration, it…
How to Minimize Estate Taxes Through Strategic Planning
Understanding Estate Taxes Estate taxes, often referred to as "death taxes," are levied on the transfer of wealth from a deceased individual to their heirs. These taxes can significantly reduce the value of an estate, impacting the financial legacy left behind for loved ones. In the United States, federal estate taxes apply to estates exceeding…
The Benefits of a Living Will in Estate Planning
What is a Living Will? A living will is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care in situations where you are unable to communicate your wishes. Unlike a last will and testament, which primarily deals with the distribution of assets after death, a living will focuses on healthcare decisions…
How to Update Your Estate Plan After Major Life Changes
Understanding the Importance of Updating Your Estate Plan An estate plan is not a "set it and forget it" document. It’s a living, breathing plan that should evolve as your life circumstances change. Major life events—whether joyous, challenging, or unexpected—can significantly impact your financial and personal priorities. If your estate plan doesn’t reflect these changes,…
Understanding the Difference Between Wills and Trusts
Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. Two of the most common tools used in estate planning are wills and trusts. While they may seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes and function differently. Understanding the differences between these tools is…
How Trusts Can Help You Avoid Probate
What is Probate and Why Should You Avoid It? Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries. It involves validating the deceased’s will (if one exists), identifying and appraising assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful…
5-Star Client
Feedback
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(...)
