One of the noteworthy pieces of legislation passed in 2024 was Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016), which aims to address accessibility, efficiency, and fairness within California’s probate procedures. Probate is the court process through which a deceased person’s assets are administered and distributed to beneficiaries and heirs. It can be a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process. AB 2016 seeks to…
Why Do I Have to Do a Probate When I Have a Trust? As an estate planning attorney, one of my least favorite conversations with a new client starts with me saying “I’m so sorry, but unfortunately, even though you have a trust, we are going to have to do a probate.” Clients are surprised to learn that this can…
The Importance of a Revocable Living Trust for the Sandwich Generation Financial planning can feel like a never-ending balancing act for members of the Sandwich Generation—those simultaneously caring for aging parents and supporting their children. This dual role can be incredibly demanding, both emotionally and financially. Financial resources can be stretched thin between paying for their children’s education, managing household…