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!
Family Legacy Planning in California: Secure Your Wealth for 2025
Family legacy planning in California usually brings to mind legal documents and taxes. Big numbers get tossed around, but did you know California has some of the highest property values and living costs nationwide. Most families think legacy planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. Actually, families of all sizes and backgrounds face major risks if…
How to Select the Right Executor for Your Estate
How to Select the Right Executor for Your Estate Choosing the right executor for your estate is a crucial decision in your estate planning process. This person will be responsible for managing and settling your affairs after you pass away. The role requires someone trustworthy, organized, and capable of handling potentially complex tasks. In this…
Do I Need an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust in my Estate Plan?
What is a Life Insurance Trust? A life insurance trust is a trust that can be created to hold the proceeds of your life insurance policy. The trust becomes the legal owner of the policy, rather than you, upon its creation. This is an excellent tool for passing significant assets to your heirs without a…
Revocable Living Trusts for Families in California 2025
Estate planning in California has always come with headaches, but now families are facing even more hurdles as state laws and property values keep shifting. Here is what might surprise you. The probate process in California can eat up 3 to 7 percent of your estate’s value and drag on for over a year. Most…
Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals: Key Strategies
Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals: Key Strategies Estate planning can be a complex task, especially for high-net-worth individuals. With significant wealth comes the responsibility of ensuring that it is preserved and distributed according to your wishes. In this blog post, we will delve into the key strategies that can help affluent individuals create a robust…
Los Angeles Traffic Ticket Cameras Are A Farce
Hat Tip to Breitbart: Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Gruel has done it again — exposing enormous waste in yet another city department. However, in a Reverse Kafka-esque twist, this time it is motorists who are finally getting the upper hand when it comes to the insidious $446 red light camera citations. Not only did Ms. Gruel…
California’s Probate Process: A Guide for Beginners
California’s Probate Process: A Guide for Beginners Navigating the California probate process can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Fear not, though! We’re here to break it down into manageable pieces for you. Whether you’re dealing with the estate of a loved one or preparing your own affairs, understanding probate is crucial. So,…
Trust Administration: A Step-by-Step Guide for California Residents
Trust Administration: A Step-by-Step Guide for California Residents Trust administration can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially for those unfamiliar with the legal intricacies involved. If you’re a California resident, you’re in luck! This guide will walk you through the steps of trust administration, ensuring you manage your responsibilities effectively and confidently. Let’s dive…
The Legal Process of Creating a Will in Thousand Oaks
Understanding the Importance of a Will Creating a will is one of the most important steps in estate planning. It ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing, providing clarity and security for your loved ones. Without a will, your estate may be subject to California’s intestacy laws, which dictate…
Probate Timeline in California: What Families Need to Know in 2025
Settling an estate in California can feel overwhelming, especially when you realize the average probate process here lasts between 9 and 18 months from start to finish. Some people expect this to be a quick formality. The reality is, families can actually shrink that timeline down to just weeks if the estate qualifies for a…
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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(...)
