New Legislation in California
Executive Summary: Effective January 1, 2023, California Probate Code Section 15304(c), if an otherwise valid asset protection trust allows for the settlor to be reimbursed for the taxes paid on behalf of the trust, ...
New Case Law: WHITE v. DAVIS
(2023) 87 Cal. App. 5th 270
Executive Summary: (1) Applications for elder abuse restraining orders cannot be challenged under California’s anti-SLAPP statute when the applications did not arise out of “protected activity”, but rather out of actions to unduly influence an elder regarding their estate planning; ...
Someone else claims to be the trustee, should I take her word for it?
Know your rights! As a legal heir, you are entitled to information about any trust that may have been created. Don’t let a trustee keep you in the dark. ...
An Estate Administrator of Last Resort
Charlie’s neighbor passed away years ago, but the neighbor’s house has remained empty and unclaimed. Nobody seems to want to touch the property. What can Charlie do? ...
Appearing in Court
Going to court to argue your matter can be very stressful. Even attorneys often have sleepless nights during a trial! If the professionals who do this regularly can feel the pressure, don’t be hard on yourself when you feel it. Instead, get prepared by learning the basics of what to expect at court.
Probate Court and the California Court System
The California court system is the hub of California’s judicial branch of government. The court system is organized hierarchically, with County Superior Courts acting as the trial courts at the first layer. Learn more about how the probate court fits into the system.