
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!

Estate Planning for Business Owners: What You Need to Know
Estate Planning for Business Owners: What You Need to Know Estate planning is often thought of as a task for later in life, but for business owners, it’s a crucial step that shouldn’t be postponed. Not only does it ensure your personal and business assets are distributed according to your wishes, but it also provides…
Estate Planning 101: What You Need to Know to Secure Your Future
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of an individual’s assets and liabilities upon their death or incapacity. It is a crucial aspect of financial planning that ensures your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are provided for in the event of your passing. A comprehensive estate plan…
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…
Top 5 Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan Regularly
Top 5 Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan Regularly Estate planning might not be the most thrilling topic, but it’s an essential part of ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. 🏡 Yet, many people create an estate plan and then forget about it, assuming it’s…
How to Update Your Estate Plan After Major Life Changes
Why Updating Your Estate Plan Is Crucial Life is unpredictable, and as circumstances change, so too should your estate plan. An estate plan is not a static document; it’s a living blueprint for how your assets, responsibilities, and wishes will be handled after your passing or in the event of incapacity. Failing to update your…
The Benefits of Estate Planning for Peace of Mind
What Is Estate Planning? Estate planning is the process of organizing and preparing for the management and distribution of your assets after your passing or during incapacitation. It ensures that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your financial legacy is preserved. Key components of estate planning include creating a will, establishing…
Estate Planning for Young Families: Where to Start
Estate Planning for Young Families: Where to Start Starting a family is an exciting journey, but it also comes with significant responsibilities, including financial planning. One crucial aspect often overlooked by young families is estate planning. Despite common misconceptions, estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s essential for anyone with…
What Is Probate?
Probate is a term often heard in legal circles, but it remains a mysterious and potentially intimidating process for many. In this blog post, I aim to demystify probate, breaking it down into understandable terms without using any legal jargon. As an Estate Planning Lawyer at The Law Office of Eric Ridley in California, I…
How to Transfer Assets to Your Revocable Living Trust
How to Transfer Assets to Your Revocable Living Trust If you’ve created a revocable living trust, funding it properly is just as important as drafting it. Assets not titled in the name of your trust may still be subject to probate—exactly what your trust is designed to avoid. Here’s how to handle the most common…
California’s Probate Process: A Guide for Beginners
California’s Probate Process: A Guide for Beginners Welcome to our beginner’s guide to understanding the probate process in California. Whether you’re dealing with the recent loss of a loved one or planning for the future, navigating the legal waters of probate can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll…


