Practical articles on wills, trusts, probate, and estate planning — written in clear, everyday language for California families.
Proposition 19 took effect February 16, 2021, and quietly changed the rules millions of California families had been counting on to pass their homes to their children. Here is what changed, how the numbers actually work, and what it means for your estate plan.
Most California homeowners know they probably should have a trust. Most of them do not have one yet. Here is exactly what happens — the court process, the statutory fees calculated on gross value, and the financial burden placed on your family.
If you own a home in California, have children, or have any assets you care about, you have probably asked yourself this question. This post breaks down the difference in plain English — including why California's probate process makes the answer matter more than most people realize.
How to Choose a Guardian for Your Children
5 Estate Planning Mistakes California Homeowners Make
Does a Living Trust Always Avoid Probate?
What Happens if You Die Without Funding Your Trust?
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
What California Probate Actually Costs — And How to Avoid It