
Families in California come in many forms, and the legal recognition of same-sex relationships has evolved significantly over the past two decades. If you are planning to marry or you are addressing legal issues related…
Divorce remains a common legal matter. Although divorce rates are declining, thousands of couples still seek divorce every year. If you are part of a divorcing couple, it is important to know your options and…
When lawfully drafted and signed by both parties, a prenuptial agreement can help protect each party’s financial interests. California’s family code details the conditions for how that document should be drafted and signed, and failing…
Estate planning involves more than creating a will. Large estates can benefit from trusts, while estate owners may need to set up additional legal documentation that can provide directives for medical providers in the case…
During and after a divorce, a family court judge may consider whether alimony is appropriate for either spouse. Although spousal support is often associated with parents made to the wife, state law makes no preference…
Does Legal Separation From A Spouse Cut Off Inheritance Rights in California? Does a spouse who obtains a judgment of legal separation qualify as a surviving spouse for purposes of intestate succession? In a divorce…
For many reasons, including the avoidance of long winters and the beauty and climate of California, many Canadians own property (real or personal) in California. Canadians who own property in California are inadvertently bound by…
WHAT IS PROBATE? The probate process remains a mystery to many California consumers seeking legal advice. Probate is a legal process through which the appropriate county court sees that the deceased's assets are distributed according…
Quite often people do not include financial assets such as bank accounts, certificates of deposit (CD) and/or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) in their estate planning, i.e. making formal arrangements for distribution of their assets after…
Under California inheritance law, estate beneficiaries may disclaim their interest in the decedent's estate. (Prob C § 275.) The disclaiming party is treated as if he or she predeceased the decedent, so that those next in…