by Crista Hermance | Feb 25, 2026 | Divorce, Co-ownership, funding, taxes, beneficiary designations, Marriage Planning, Planning, tax, Parenting, Attorney, Usa, California, Estate Planning
Many California parents consider adding their child to their home title to avoid probate. However, this strategy can trigger property tax reassessment, expose the home to your child’s creditors or divorce, complicate Medi-Cal planning, and create capital gains tax... 
by Crista Hermance | Feb 10, 2026 | Blended Families, trustee, beneficiary designations, Inheritance, executor, Cohabitating, Marriage Planning, Planning, court, Transfer, Probate, Living Will, Living Trust, Parenting, Trust administration, Consultation, Attorney, Usa, California, Estate Planning
Naming adult children as successor trustees can simplify trust administration and keep decisions within the family. However, it can also create conflict, delay, and legal risk if family dynamics, experience, or asset complexity are ignored. California families should... 
by Crista Hermance | Jan 16, 2026 | Living Trust, funding, trustee, Marriage Planning, Assets, Planning, Probate, Trust administration, Consultation, California, Estate Planning
Estate planning in California looks very different for renters and homeowners. Whether you rent or own in Southern California, the right estate plan depends on what you own, how it’s titled, and who you want to protect. Why Estate Planning Is Not “One Size Fits All”... 
by Ivonn Ayala | Dec 29, 2025 | Estate Planning, Planning, 2026, taxes, Elder
Elder financial abuse is one of the fastest-growing crimes in California. Adult children can protect aging parents by using proactive legal tools such as revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, financial monitoring, and properly drafted caregiver agreements.... 
by Ivonn Ayala | Dec 29, 2025 | Planning, 2026, trustee, executor, Guardianship, Estate Planning
In California estate planning, executors, trustees, and guardians serve very different legal roles—and confusing them can lead to costly mistakes. Executors manage wills and probate, trustees manage trusts, and guardians care for minor children or incapacitated... 
by Ivonn Ayala | Oct 7, 2025 | Planning, Living Trust, Attorney, Usa, California, Estate Planning
Even during Estate Planning Awareness Week, the majority of California families are still unprepared. Many delay planning due to misconceptions, procrastination, or thinking “it’s not necessary.” But without a solid estate plan, your family could face probate,... 
