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!
What is Substitute Service of Process?
When a lawsuit has been filed, it is the plaintiff’s job to serve a summons and complaint of action to the defendant. This procedure is called the service of process. While a plaintiff is not expected to be the person to hand the papers to the defendant, they must verify without a legal doubt that…
Real Estate Probate Sales in California: How Families Secure Their Wealth (2025 Guide)
California probate sales sound intimidating, but they impact thousands of families every year and involve some serious numbers. Starting April 1, 2025, estates worth under $750,000 can skip much of the probate red tape thanks to new regulations. That’s a dramatic jump from the old $166,250 limit and could change how families protect their biggest…
Understanding the Basics of Estate Planning
What is Estate Planning? Estate planning is the process of organizing and preparing for the management and distribution of your assets after your death or in the event of incapacity. It ensures that your wishes are carried out, your loved ones are cared for, and your financial legacy is preserved. At its core, estate planning…
Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals in Westlake Village
Understanding Estate Planning: Why It Matters for High-Net-Worth Individuals Estate planning is a critical process for anyone, but for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in Westlake Village, it takes on an even greater level of importance. At its core, estate planning involves creating a comprehensive strategy to manage and distribute your assets after your passing. For HNWIs,…
The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Estate Planning
The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Estate Planning Estate planning can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when thinking about unexpected health issues. One crucial, yet often overlooked aspect, is appointing a healthcare proxy. This person becomes your voice when you can’t speak for yourself. But what exactly does that entail? Let’s explore this…
The Importance of Regularly Reviewing Your Estate Plan
What is an Estate Plan and Why Does it Matter? An estate plan is a comprehensive set of legal documents and strategies designed to manage and distribute your assets after your death or during incapacitation. At its core, an estate plan ensures that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are provided for, and your…
Asset Protection Strategies California: Secure Your Family’s Wealth in 2025
California families often believe their wealth is safe, but legal and financial threats here can wipe out everything overnight. Shockingly, only 24 percent of adults have a will and California’s changing laws will make it even harder to protect what you own in 2025. Here is where most families get it wrong—asset protection is not…
How to Start the Estate Planning Process
What is Estate Planning and Why is it Important? Estate planning is the process of organizing and documenting how your assets and responsibilities will be managed and distributed after your death or in the event of incapacitation. It involves creating legal documents, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, to ensure your wishes are…
What Happens to the Trust When I Die?
Hi, I’m Eric Ridley, an estate planning lawyer based in California. Today, I want to discuss a question many of my clients ask: “What happens to my trust when I die?” Let’s break this down in a simple, straightforward way. The Role of Your Trustee After Your Passing First things first: your trustee. This is…
How Long Does The Probate Process Take In California?
When someone passes away in California, their estate typically goes through a legal process known as probate. It’s my job as an estate planning lawyer to help you understand this process. Think of probate as the court’s way of ensuring your estate is properly managed and distributed according to your wishes. It’s a crucial step…
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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(...)
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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(...)
