Books by Eric Ridley

By Eric Ridley, attorney, Ridley Law. Updated November 2026.

I write plain-English books for California families facing one specific decision: a big lottery win, a house still in a parent’s name, a first job as trustee. Each one follows the decisions in the order they come. Find yours by where you are, and open a book for the full description and, once it’s out, where to buy it.

Planning ahead

• Before You ClaimA California Lottery Winner’s Guide to Privacy, Planning and ProtectionComing soon
• The 34 Most Dangerous Estate Planning MistakesA California Guide to Protecting Your Home, Your Money and Your FamilyComing soon
• I Did My Trust Online. Now What?A California Homeowner’s Guide to Funding, Fixing and Finishing a Do-It-Yourself TrustComing soon

When someone dies

• The First 30 Days After a DeathA California Family’s Guide to the Calls, the Papers and the Decisions That Can WaitComing soon
• You’re the Trustee Now: Your First 90 DaysA California Successor Trustee’s Guide to Notices, Assets and DutiesComing soon
• Mom Died and the House Is Still in Her NameA California Family’s Guide to Title, Trusts and ProbateComing soon
• Selling a House Through ProbateA California Executor’s Guide to Authority, Court Confirmation and ClosingComing soon

When you inherit

• What to Expect When You’re InheritingA California Beneficiary’s Guide to Notices, Timelines and Your RightsComing soon
• The Prop 19 TrapA California Family’s Guide to the House, the Tax Bill and the DeadlinesComing soon
• The Inherited IRA ClockA Beneficiary’s Guide to Deadlines, Distributions and TaxesComing soon
• You Just Inherited a Million DollarsA California Heir’s Guide to Taxes, Timing and ProtectionComing soon

Until they’re out, the free guides on this site cover many of the same questions. You can also read more about me.

These books are general information about California law. They aren’t legal, tax or investment advice.