by Santiago Olivares | Sep 23, 2026 | Trust, wills, Estate Planning
Many homeowners ask,”Do I need a trust or just a will?” In California, a will alone often does not avoid probate. For many Westlake Village homeowners, a living trust, durable power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive provide greater protection,... 
by Santiago Olivares | Sep 9, 2026 | Trust, Elder, Living Will, Living Trust, California, wills, Estate Planning
Yes, someone with dementia may still be able to change their estate plan in California. The key issue is not the diagnosis itself but whether the person has the legal capacity to understand the decisions they are making at the time they sign estate planning documents.... 
by Santiago Olivares | Jul 1, 2026 | Trust, illness, Guardianship, Living Will, wills, Estate Planning
A serious health diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean the worst will happen, but it does mean it’s time to make important legal decisions while you’re able to do so. Estate planning after diagnosis helps ensure your medical wishes are respected, your... 
by Santiago Olivares | Jun 23, 2026 | LGBTIQ+, Living Will, Living Trust, Usa, California, wills, Estate Planning
Trans estate planning is about much more than deciding who inherits your assets. A comprehensive estate plan can protect your healthcare decisions, preserve your identity, provide legal authority to trusted individuals, safeguard chosen family relationships, and... 
by Santiago Olivares | Jun 17, 2026 | Usa, trustee, Guardianship, Attorney, California, wills, Estate Planning
When choosing a guardian for your child, most parents focus on selecting the right person. However, many overlook important details that can create confusion or legal complications if something unexpected happens. Common mistakes include naming only long-term... 
by Crista Hermance | Jun 3, 2026 | beneficiary designations, Inheritance, wills, Estate Planning
A mortgage does not automatically disappear when someone dies. In most cases, the loan remains attached to the property, and heirs must decide whether to continue making payments, refinance, sell the home, or transfer it through a trust or probate process....
