https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog California estate planning articles and updates from Smart Estates Law. en-us Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:54:01 GMT https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/how-to-avoid-probate-california https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/how-to-avoid-probate-california Learn how a properly funded living trust, beneficiary designations, joint ownership, transfer-on-death deeds, and small-estate procedures can help California families avoid probate. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/house-title https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/house-title What happens to your home when you die depends entirely on how it is titled right now. Not your will. Not your intentions. The title. Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/trust-cost https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/trust-cost Real price ranges for California living trusts — what you get at each level, what drives the cost, and how to compare your options before hiring an attorney. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/proposition-19 https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/proposition-19 Proposition 19 took effect February 16, 2021 and narrowed the parent-child property tax exclusion. Here's what changed and what it means for your estate plan. Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/without-trust https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/without-trust Most California homeowners don't have a trust. Here's exactly what happens — probate, statutory fees on gross estate value, and the real cost to your family. Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/living-trust-vs-will https://www.smartestateslaw.com/blog/living-trust-vs-will In California, probate can cost tens of thousands. Learn the difference between a living trust and a will. Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT