The Journal
Plain-English Estate Law
Plain-English guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family in California.
California Small Estate Affidavit 2026: Thresholds, Forms, and the Full Process
AB 2016 raised the small estate threshold to $208,850 for personal property and $750,000 for real property. Step-by-step guide to skipping probate.
Read →Real Estate in a California Probate: Selling, Keeping, or Transferring the House
Protect CA assets from **real estate in probate** in 2026. Our expert guide helps families avoid costly mistakes. Learn how to get started today!
Read →What Happens to the Mortgage When You Inherit a House From Your Parents’ Trust? (California)
The mortgage doesn't vanish or come due when you inherit. How Garn-St. Germain protects you, your keep/refinance/sell options, and how reverse mortgages differ.
Read →What Happens to a Lottery Annuity When the Winner Dies?
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. Yes, lottery winnings can be inherited. The remaining annuity payments…
Read →Giving Lottery Money to Family Without Wrecking Anyone
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. In 2026 you can give any person $19,000 with nothing…
Read →Can a Trust Claim Lottery Winnings in California?
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. No. California Lottery Regulations § 5.4.1 requires that winners be…
Read →Can You Stay Anonymous After Winning the Lottery in California?
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. No. California publishes the winner’s name, the store that sold…
Read →What to Do If You Win the Lottery in California
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. California will publish your name. The trust everyone tells you…
Read →Want a straight read on where you stand?
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