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!
How To Select An Estate Planning Attorney
How to Select the Right Estate Planning Attorney: A Comprehensive Guide In today’s complex legal landscape, choosing the right estate planning attorney is crucial for protecting your assets and ensuring your family’s future. This blog post will guide you through the essential factors to consider when selecting an estate planning attorney. As an experienced estate…
The Role of a Trust Attorney in Estate Planning
What is a Trust Attorney? A trust attorney is a specialized legal professional who focuses on the creation, management, and administration of trusts as part of estate planning. These attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of estate law, tax regulations, and financial planning, making them invaluable in helping individuals and families protect their assets and ensure their…
The Impact of California’s Estate Tax Laws on Your Planning
The Impact of California’s Estate Tax Laws on Your Planning When it comes to estate planning, California residents face unique challenges and opportunities. The state’s estate tax laws can significantly impact how you plan for the future. Understanding these laws is crucial for ensuring that your assets are protected and passed on according to your…
What Does a Trust Lawyer Do? California Guide for 2025
A trust lawyer does more than fill out paperwork. In California, these attorneys help families sidestep probate and design custom strategies for transferring wealth—some trusts have saved clients hundreds of millions in taxes and legal expenses. Most people expect a trust lawyer to just write documents, but here’s the surprise. The real value comes from…
The Benefits of Estate Planning for Blended Families
Understanding Blended Families and Their Unique Challenges What is a Blended Family? Blended families, often referred to as stepfamilies, are households formed when two individuals with children from previous relationships come together through marriage or cohabitation. These families can include stepchildren, half-siblings, and even extended family members who play significant roles in the household dynamic.…
What Is a Protective Trust and How Does It Work?
When it comes to planning your estate, ensuring your assets are safeguarded for the future is essential. Life is full of uncertainties, but your family’s financial security doesn’t have to be one of them. At the Law Office of Eric Ridley, we take pride in helping California residents create estate plans that protect their loved…
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,…
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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(...)
Reasonable Cost
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(...)
