by Santiago Olivares | Aug 4, 2026 | Marriage Planning, Living Trust, Estate Planning
Getting married is one of life’s biggest milestones, but many couples forget one critical step afterward: estate planning after marriage. Marriage alone does not automatically update your will, living trust, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, or... 
by Crista Hermance | Mar 25, 2026 | Marriage Planning, Assets, Parenting, Estate Planning, Inheritance, trustee
Leaving an unequal inheritance in California is legal—but it can create family conflict if not handled carefully. With the right planning, communication, and legal structure, families in Ventura County and across Southern California can divide assets intentionally... 
by Crista Hermance | Mar 17, 2026 | Transfer, beneficiary designations, Inheritance, Marriage Planning, Assets, Attorney, Estate Planning
In disinherit-spousal situations in California, the answer is not simple. California law gives spouses strong rights—especially over community property—making it difficult to disinherit them fully. However, with proper estate planning strategies, it may be possible to... 
by Crista Hermance | Mar 16, 2026 | beneficiary designations, update, Marriage Planning, Assets, Divorce Featured, Divorce, Blended Families, Parenting, California, Estate Planning
Remarriage estate planning is essential for protecting your spouse, children, and assets. If you remarry without updating your estate plan, California law may distribute your assets in ways you never intended. Families in Ventura County and across Southern California... 
by Crista Hermance | Feb 25, 2026 | Marriage Planning, Co-ownership, funding, taxes, beneficiary designations, Planning, Divorce, 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...
