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…
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…
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…
The Role of a Probate Attorney in Ventura County: An In-Depth Guide
The Role of a Probate Attorney in Ventura County: An In-Depth Guide Dealing with the passing of a loved one is never easy, and navigating the complexities of probate law can add stress to an already difficult time. This guide will illuminate the role of a probate attorney in Ventura County, helping you understand when…
What is the Difference Between a Living Will and an Advance Healthcare Directive?
Maybe you have spent time in the medical field or have begun planning your own wishes regarding the future of your medical care. If so, you are probably familiar with the terms “living will” or “advance healthcare directive.” But what, specifically, are they? How do they differ from each other? And most importantly, how do…
What You Need to Know About Wills and Trusts
What Are Wills and Trusts? Wills and trusts are two cornerstone tools of estate planning, designed to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. A will is a legal document that outlines how your property and assets should be distributed, names beneficiaries, and can even appoint guardians for minor…
Estate Planning for Singles in California: 2025 Essential Guide
Estate planning sounds like something only wealthy families or retirees need to think about in California. Think again. Nearly half of single adults in the state do not have any estate plan on record, putting their autonomy and financial wishes at risk. Most people expect the law will just sort things out, but that rarely…
How to Avoid Probate in California: A Comprehensive Guide
Probate is often a long, costly process that families might not anticipate until they find themselves in the midst of it. In simple terms, probate is the legal process of transferring a deceased person’s assets to their heirs. It includes filing the will, settling debts, and distributing assets, but it can take over a year…
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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(...)
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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(...)
