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 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…
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…
The Role of a Will and Trust Attorney in Your Estate Plan
What is Estate Planning and Why is it Important? Estate planning is the process of organizing and preparing for the distribution of your assets 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 carried out and your…
What Is Probate Litigation? A California Family Guide for 2025
Probate litigation in California is more common than most families realize, with legal expenses consuming up to 30 percent of an estate’s value during a contested case. Everyone dreads the idea of costly court battles and strained family ties. Here is the twist. New laws in 2025 are quietly setting up a wave of changes…
Avoid These Common Mistakes: What Not to Include in Your Living Trust
When establishing a living trust, one of the most frequent errors individuals make is incorrectly designating beneficiaries. It is crucial to carefully deliberate on who to include and exclude as beneficiaries, as failure to do so can result in unintended consequences and potential family disputes. For instance, if you have children from a previous marriage…
What Documents You Need for Estate Planning in California (2025 Guide)
Estate planning in California is not just a checklist of paperwork. The process shapes how families sidestep legal gridlock and protect loved ones in a state where probate fees can eat up as much as 4 percent of an estate’s value. Most people believe a simple will does the job. The reality is that missing…
Estate Planning: Frequently Asked Questions about Wills and Trusts
Wills and Trusts: Understanding Your Options When it comes to planning for the future, a will or trust can provide peace of mind and ensure that your assets and loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. However, there are many questions that people have when it comes to these important estate planning tools.…
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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(...)
