A California transfer-on-death (TOD) deed and a living trust are both tools for transferring property after death without probate, but they serve different purposes. A TOD deed passes a single piece of real estate directly to a named beneficiary, while a living trust...
Lisa J. Frisella
How Do You Transfer a Car Title After Someone Dies in California?
In California, a car title can often be transferred after someone dies without going through full probate. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows certain heirs or beneficiaries to complete the transfer using a small estate affidavit or other required forms. The...
What Young Professionals Should Know About Estate Planning by Age 30
If you are under 30 and earning income, you likely need basic estate planning documents in place. Estate planning is not just about wealth. It is about control, decision-making authority, and protecting the people who depend on you. By age 30, you should at a minimum...
How California’s Community Property Laws Impact Estate Planning and Probate
In California, property ownership rules can shape almost every estate planning decision you make, from how you title your home to what happens after a spouse dies. Because California is a community property state, married couples (and registered domestic partners)...
What is a Financial Power of Attorney and Why Do I Need One?
A financial power of attorney allows you to authorize someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so yourself. A financial power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person, called an agent (sometimes...
What You Need to Do to Change a California Will
Whether you experience marriage, divorce, the birth of children, significant financial shifts, or change your mind about beneficiaries, updating your will ensures your estate plan matches your present wishes. California law provides two primary methods for changing...
How to Use a California Pour-Over Will
A pour-over will acts as a critical safeguard in your estate plan, ensuring that any assets still in your name at the time of death are automatically transferred into your living trust. It helps close the gaps that arise when people establish a trust but fail to...
How Does an Advance Healthcare Directive Protect You?
An advance healthcare directive ensures that your wishes are honored and that someone you trust can make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to speak for yourself. Without this document, family members may face agonizing decisions without knowing what...
Intestate Succession in California
When someone passes away without a valid will, California's intestate succession laws determine how their estate gets distributed among surviving family members. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you if you are handling an estate without a will or if...
What is a Last Will and Testament?
Creating a last will and testament is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are honored after your passing. This legal document allows you to control how your property is distributed, name guardians for your...
