7-Step Estate Planning for Parents & Homeowners to Protect HeirsPARENTS & HOMEOWNERS: MY 7-STEP ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS WILL PROTECT YOUR HEIRS
Protecting Your Family from Creditors and Bad ChoicesFrom Creditors, Predators & Bad Choices, And Will Help You Become a (Bigger) Hero to Your Family!
The Process of Transferring Assets into a Trust Explained
The Process of Transferring Assets into a Trust Explained Creating a trust is a powerful way to manage and protect your assets for the future. Whether you’re looking to ensure a smooth transfer of wealth or protect your estate from probate, understanding the process of transferring assets into a trust is crucial. In this guide,…
California Estate Planning Basics 2025: Protecting Family Wealth
Estate planning in California is often overlooked, even though nearly 44 percent of American adults have no estate planning documents at all. That number is striking, especially when you consider the immense value tied up in California homes and family assets. Here is the twist: most families put themselves at risk of losing control over…
How a Revocable Living Trust Can Protect Your Assets
What is a Revocable Living Trust? A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement that allows an individual, known as the grantor, to place their assets into a trust during their lifetime while retaining control over them. The term "revocable" means the grantor can modify, amend, or even dissolve the trust at any time, as…
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…
Estate Planning Trends in Santa Barbara: What’s New in 2023
Estate Planning Trends in Santa Barbara: What’s New in 2023 Estate planning is an essential process that ensures your assets and responsibilities are managed according to your wishes after you pass away. In Santa Barbara, the landscape of estate planning is evolving rapidly with new trends and legal updates shaping how residents secure their legacies.…
California Probate Process Explained: 2025 Guide for Families and Homeowners
California probate can feel like a maze, especially with families facing estates that sometimes require court approval for values as low as $166,250. Most people expect the process to be a simple handoff, guided only by a will. Surprisingly, families can be tangled up for months or even years, and the smallest mistakes by an…
What Is A Will?
Hello, I’m Eric Ridley from The Law Office of Eric Ridley, based right here in California. Today, I’m diving into a topic that affects everyone’s life at some point: what is a will? I promise to keep it simple, straight to the point, and jargon-free. So, let’s get started. What Exactly is a Will? In…
What are the four critical estate planning documents for young adults?
You’re not alone if estate planning is the furthest thing from your mind. It can feel like a distant, difficult and confusing process that we don’t need to worry about just yet. But estate planning is important for anyone over 18, even you! Planning ahead now will save time and hassle later on in life.…
Why College Students Away from Home Need Medical Powers of Attorney
“Why College Students Away from Home Need Medical Powers of Attorney” As a college student, you’re embarking on an exciting journey of personal growth and academic pursuits. However, it’s important to be prepared for any unexpected medical emergencies that may arise. Having a medical power of attorney (POA) in place is a crucial step in…
How Are Debts And Taxes Handled During Probate In California?
Probation can be daunting, especially when dealing with debts and taxes. As an estate planning attorney at the Law Office of Eric Ridley, I aim to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. Let’s break down how debts and taxes are handled during probate in California so you can clearly understand…
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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(...)
