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 Steps Should I Take to Avoid Probate?
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly; it’s crucial for everyone who wants to ensure their assets are handled according to their wishes. One common concern is avoiding probate—the legal process of validating a will. I’ll walk you through the steps to sidestep probate, making your estate planning journey straightforward and…
Estate Planning for Non-Citizens in California
Estate Planning for Non-Citizens in California: A Comprehensive Guide Estate planning can often seem daunting, especially if you’re a non-citizen living in California. Navigating through legal complexities and understanding the unique challenges is crucial to safeguarding your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing you with the…
Estate Planning Basics in California: Protect Your Family in 2025
Estate planning in California is often ignored, but the risks of skipping it are huge. More than 60 percent of Americans have no estate plan at all, putting families at risk of losing up to 10 percent of their estate value to probate costs alone. Most people think this is only a problem for the…
The Essential Role of Trusts in Estate Planning
In this article, we will explore the importance of estate planning and creating a trust, discussing how trusts can help avoid the probate process, provide tax benefits, offer asset protection, and give individuals control over asset distribution.
Why Most DIY Trusts Fail in California
Why Most DIY Trusts Fail in California What It Could Cost Your Family A living trust can help you protect your family, avoid probate, and keep your estate private. But in California, when people use DIY kits or online templates, the results often backfire. Common Pitfalls Most DIY trusts fail because they’re: Not properly funded…
Estate Planning for Blended Families: Protecting Your Loved Ones and Ensuring Fair Distribution
Introduction Estate Planning for blended families is important to protect each child in the family, both biological and through marriage. The complexities and nuances of blended families bring unique challenges to the process of estate planning. These families may be dealing with issues such as children from previous relationships and the merging of different familial…
The Advantages of Hiring a Local Estate Planning Attorney
Understanding the Role of an Estate Planning Attorney An estate planning attorney is a legal professional who specializes in helping individuals and families manage their assets and plan for the future. Their primary role is to ensure that your wishes regarding the distribution of your property, finances, and other assets are clearly documented and legally…
10 Common Probate Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
10 Common Probate Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Probate can be a daunting process, filled with legal jargon and complex procedures. Whether you’re an executor or an heir, navigating probate can be challenging. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten common probate pitfalls and how you can steer clear of them. By understanding these…
Types of Trusts in California: Protecting Family Wealth in 2025
California families are facing new estate planning decisions in 2025 as trust laws shift and the federal estate tax exemption is set to drop to $5.49 million. Most people look at trusts as just a way to avoid probate or pass down the house, but the real story is bigger. The right type of trust…
What Should Be Included In A Will In California?
As an estate planning lawyer based in California, my goal is to help you understand the process of creating a will in a straightforward and stress-free way. Today, I’ll guide you through the essential elements you should include in your will. Think of this as a roadmap that ensures your wishes are honored, and your…
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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(...)
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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(...)
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(...)
