by Crista Hermance | May 27, 2026 | California, Trust, beneficiary designations, executor, Living Trust, Trust administration, Estate Planning
Yes, under certain circumstances, beneficiaries may be able to remove a trustee in California—including a sibling serving as trustee. Trust disputes often arise when beneficiaries believe the trustee is acting unfairly, hiding information, delaying distributions, or... 
by Crista Hermance | May 27, 2026 | Trust, Business, beneficiary designations, executor
A joint bank account after death does not always work the way families expect in California. In many situations, the surviving account holder automatically keeps access to the account. However, inheritance disputes, probate concerns, trust conflicts, and family... 
by Crista Hermance | Mar 16, 2026 | trustee, beneficiary designations, executor
Choosing a professional trustee in California instead of a family member can help prevent conflicts, reduce administrative mistakes, and ensure your trust is managed properly. While family trustees work well in some situations, complex estates, blended families, or... 
by Crista Hermance | Feb 25, 2026 | trustee, taxes, Inheritance, executor, Transfer, Probate, Living Will, Living Trust, Trust administration, Attorney, Estate Planning
If you own real estate in more than one state, your family may face multiple probate proceedings, including something called ancillary probate. This process can increase court costs, delay distributions, and create administrative headaches. The most effective way to... 
by Crista Hermance | Feb 10, 2026 | Consultation, Attorney, Usa, California, Estate Planning, Trust administration, Cohabitating, trustee, beneficiary designations, Inheritance, executor, Marriage Planning, Planning, court, Blended Families, Transfer, Probate, Living Will, Living Trust, Parenting
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 | Feb 10, 2026 | trustee, funding, beneficiary designations, Inheritance, executor, court, Probate, Usa, California, Estate Planning
Online estate planning tools promise quick, affordable solutions, but many California families discover too late that these documents fail when tested by real life. Without proper legal guidance, families risk probate, conservatorship, and costly court...
