by Crista Hermance | Oct 12, 2026 | Trust, Probate, Living Trust, California, Estate Planning
The difference between trust administration vs probate often comes down to how assets were owned and whether a properly funded trust was in place. Probate is a court-supervised process, while trust administration typically occurs outside of court. Both involve... 
by Crista Hermance | Oct 12, 2026 | Trust, Probate, California, Estate Planning
Estate planning is not just for wealthy families. Whether you own a home, have children, maintain retirement accounts, or simply want your wishes respected, a comprehensive estate plan can provide valuable protection. For Ventura County families, a well-designed plan... 
by Crista Hermance | Sep 23, 2026 | Trust, Inheritance, Probate, California, Estate Planning
It is possible to refuse an inheritance in California. The legal process is known as a disclaimer. By properly disclaiming an inheritance, a beneficiary can decline property, money, or other assets they would otherwise receive. However, specific legal rules apply, and... 
by Santiago Olivares | Sep 14, 2026 | Trust, Probate, Living Trust, Trust administration, Estate Planning
One of the first questions families ask after a loved one’s death is, how long does trust administration take? In California, many trust administrations are completed within several months, but the exact timeline depends on the estate’s complexity,... 
by Santiago Olivares | Aug 31, 2026 | Probate, Living Will, Estate Planning
Yes, someone may be able to challenge a will in California, but simply being unhappy with an inheritance is not enough. A will contest generally involves a legal claim that the will is invalid or should not be admitted to probate. Common issues can include improper... 
by Santiago Olivares | Aug 24, 2026 | Real Estate, Probate, California, Estate Planning
If you own property in multiple states, your estate plan may have to deal with the laws of every state. For example, if you live in Ventura but own a vacation home in Arizona in your individual name, your family could potentially face a probate proceeding in both...
