A house is rarely just a number on an estate inventory. One child may see the family home as where they spent every holiday. Another may live three states away and have no interest in owning it. A third may want to keep the property but have no realistic way to buy out everyone else. That is why … [Read more...] about How Can I Divide Real Estate Fairly Between Heirs?
Do I Need an Estate Plan If I Don’t Own Property?
It is easy to hear the words “estate planning” and picture someone with a large house, investment properties, and substantial savings. If you rent your home and don't own much real estate, creating an estate plan might seem like something you can put off. But do I need an estate plan if I don’t … [Read more...] about Do I Need an Estate Plan If I Don’t Own Property?
How Do I Report a Slow or Unethical Probate Attorney?
Probate is rarely fast, which can make it difficult to know when an attorney is simply working through a complicated estate and when something has genuinely gone wrong. How do I report a slow or unethical probate attorney? In California, concerns should usually begin with direct communication and … [Read more...] about How Do I Report a Slow or Unethical Probate Attorney?
How Do I Choose the Right Executor for My Will?
Choosing the right executor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when creating your estate plan. While many people focus on who will inherit their assets, far fewer spend enough time thinking about who will actually carry out those wishes. That’s where your executor comes in. For … [Read more...] about How Do I Choose the Right Executor for My Will?
What Documents Do I Need in a Basic California Estate Plan?
If you’ve been putting off estate planning, you’re not alone. Most people don’t wake up excited to think about legal documents, future incapacity, or what happens after they’re gone. But in California, having a basic estate plan in place is one of the most important steps you can take to protect … [Read more...] about What Documents Do I Need in a Basic California Estate Plan?
Can a Revocable Living Trust Help Me Avoid Probate in California?
If you’ve started looking into estate planning in California, you’ve probably come across the idea of a revocable living trust. And more often than not, it’s mentioned in the same breath as avoiding probate. That raises a pretty straightforward question: Can a revocable living trust actually help … [Read more...] about Can a Revocable Living Trust Help Me Avoid Probate in California?
Should I Use an Online Will Kit or Hire a Lawyer?
If you’ve started thinking about creating a will, you’ve probably noticed how many online tools promise to make the process quick, easy, and inexpensive. With just a few clicks, you can generate a document that looks official and covers the basics. So it’s a fair question: should you use an … [Read more...] about Should I Use an Online Will Kit or Hire a Lawyer?
Does California Have an Inheritance Tax?
One of the most common questions people ask when planning an estate is whether their heirs will owe taxes after they pass away. If you live in California or own property here, understanding how inheritance and estate taxes work is critical. The short answer is straightforward, but the details … [Read more...] about Does California Have an Inheritance Tax?
Does Per Stirpes Include My Spouse?
When planning your estate, few terms cause more confusion than per stirpes. It sounds like Latin (because it is), and unless you’ve studied estate law, you probably haven’t run into it before. One of the most common questions we hear at Patton Law Group is: “If I leave my estate to my children per … [Read more...] about Does Per Stirpes Include My Spouse?
How Trust Planning Can Help Avoid Family Feuds After Death
Creating a robust trust can do more than just manage your assets; it can prevent heartache and conflict long after you're gone. Here’s how trust planning helps avoid family feuds after death, protect legacies, and enhance peace of mind for families in Roseville, CA. Why Family Disputes Over … [Read more...] about How Trust Planning Can Help Avoid Family Feuds After Death
