The Journal — Plain-English Estate Law
Plain-English guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family in California.
Understanding Special Needs Trusts: A Guide for Families
Short answer: A special needs trust holds money or property for a family member with a disability so that person can keep receiving Supplemental Security Income, Medi-Cal, and…
Read →Estate Planning for HNW Clients
Short answer: In 2026, an individual can pass up to $15,000,000 free of federal estate and gift tax, and a married couple up to $30,000,000, under the exemption…
Read →Change Estate Plan in CA
Short answer: Yes. A will, a revocable living trust, a power of attorney, and a health care directive are all designed to be changed. Nothing about signing them…
Read →What to Include in a Will: Secure Your Family’s Future
Discover what to include in a will with this step-by-step guide. Protect your assets, children, and legacy in California with comprehensive planning.
Read →5 Vital Estate Plan Documents [2026]
Secure your 2026 estate plan! Discover 5 vital documents to protect your assets and loved ones. Ensure your family's future today. Learn more.
Read →How to Protect Your Assets with Trusts
Short answer: A trust protects your assets in some ways and not others. A properly funded revocable living trust keeps your estate out of probate and out of…
Read →What Does “Probate a Will” Mean?
Short answer: “Probating a will” means opening a formal court case that validates the will, appoints an executor, and gives that executor legal authority to collect the deceased…
Read →The BulletproofTrust Problem
Short answer: No trust document is automatically effective just because its cover page calls it “bulletproof,” “ironclad,” or an “asset protection trust.” California does not let someone set…
Read →Want a straight read on where you stand?
Talk to Eric. A free 30-minute call, no pitch. He’ll tell you where you’re exposed, what it would cost to fix, and what you can skip.
Talk to Eric