
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!


A Beginner’s Guide to Estate Planning in Ventura
A Beginner’s Guide to Estate Planning in Ventura Welcome to your ultimate guide to estate planning in Ventura! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing plan, this guide is crafted to help you navigate the process with ease. We’ll cover everything from the basics to more specific local considerations. Grab a…
What Are The Basics And Benefits Of Starting A Trust?
Many clients come to me with questions about trusts: What are they? How do they work? Why should I consider creating one? As an estate planning lawyer at The Law Office of Eric Ridley in California, I’m here to demystify the concept of trusts for you. In simple terms, a trust is a legal arrangement…
How Do I Include My Charitable Giving Wishes in My Estate Plan?
Estate planning is not just about distributing your assets among your loved ones; it’s also an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the causes you care about. Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan allows you to support the organizations and causes that hold significance for you. As an Estate Planning Lawyer based in…
The Importance of Regularly Reviewing Your Estate Plan
The Importance of Regularly Reviewing Your Estate Plan Planning for the future is an essential part of life, yet many of us tend to put it off. One crucial aspect of future planning is managing our estate plans. While creating an estate plan is a significant step, regularly reviewing it is equally important. Why, you…
Probate Alternatives in California: Smart Strategies for Families 2025
Probate in California can eat up a shocking amount of your family’s inheritance. Legal fees on a $500,000 estate can soar to $26,000 or more and that’s before accounting for months or even years of paperwork and stress. Most people think a simple will keeps things smooth for their loved ones. Think again. The truth…
Do I Need a Will or a Trust? Understanding the Basics of Estate Planning
Understanding the Basics of Estate Planning Estate planning involves creating a comprehensive plan for the distribution of assets and management of affairs after death. This process is an integral part of managing one’s financial life, as it ensures that personal and financial wishes are honored after passing. Key components of estate planning include wills, trusts,…
When is Probate Required in California?
If a person dies and leaves behind an estate, property, or assets in California that needs to be transferred to a beneficiary, probate is required. If a decedent’s property is left behind, the probate process provides distribution of that property to the heirs of the decedent. Survivors may also open probate proceedings if the decedent…
How to Handle Estate Planning for a Loved One with Dementia
How to Handle Estate Planning for a Loved One with Dementia Dealing with the emotional and practical challenges of dementia is never easy. When a loved one is diagnosed with this condition, it becomes crucial to ensure their affairs are in order, especially regarding estate planning. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of…
Avoiding Probate Disputes in California: Protect Your Wealth in 2025
Probate battles in California have become a flashpoint for family tension and financial loss. Over 40 percent of probate disputes trace back to unresolved family conflicts that erupt during inheritance proceedings. Most people brace for legal headaches or drawn-out courtroom drama. Yet, surprisingly, the best way to sidestep disaster is not a complex loophole or…
Maximizing Your Legacy: Navigating Trusts and Wills for Effective Estate Planning
Understanding the Difference between Trusts and Wills: An informative article that explores the definition, purpose, and key differences between trusts and wills, highlighting their roles in estate planning and asset management, with emphasis on the personalized estate planning services of the Law Office of Eric Ridley.