Blog tagged as Trusts

Trust vs. Probate in California: Which Saves You More?

06.18.2025 06:16 PM - By Robert MacLean - Comment(s)
Trust vs. Probate in California: Which Saves You More?
Planning for the future includes ensuring your loved ones inherit your assets smoothly and cost-effectively. In California, two common paths for transferring your estate are setting up a living trust or letting your estate go through probate. which option is right for you?

Understanding Step-Up Basis in California: A Guide for Heirs

05.04.2025 02:50 PM - By Robert MacLean - Comment(s)
Understanding Step-Up Basis in California: A Guide for Heirs
The step-up basis can significantly reduce your tax burden when you sell assets. In this blog post, I will break down what the step-up basis is, how it works in California, and key considerations for heirs, including the impact of Proposition 19.

Understanding the Heggstad Petition in California: A Guide to Avoiding Probate

05.04.2025 02:35 PM - By Robert MacLean - Comment(s)
Understanding the Heggstad Petition in California: A Guide to Avoiding Probate
What happens if an asset, like a house or bank account, was accidentally left out of the trust? In California, a Heggstad petition can be a lifesaver, helping families avoid the lengthy and expensive probate process. In this blog post, we’ll break down what a Heggstad petition is and how it works.

Can Medi-Cal Recover Money from a Trust?

05.04.2025 02:14 PM - By Robert MacLean - Comment(s)
Can Medi-Cal Recover Money from a Trust?
Many Californians rely on Medi-Cal for healthcare, but they worry about the state recovering costs from their estate. Can Medi-Cal recover money from a trust? The answer depends on the type of trust. Let's break it down.

Understanding the Eviction Process in California

05.03.2025 02:28 PM - By Robert MacLean - Comment(s)
Understanding the Eviction Process in California
Evicting a tenant in California is a legal process that requires landlords to follow strict rules outlined in state and local laws. This blog post breaks down the key steps of the eviction process in California, highlights important considerations, and offers practical insights.

Do Trustees Need Probate?

05.03.2025 11:27 AM - By Robert MacLean - Comment(s)
Do Trustees Need Probate?
As a trustee of a trust, one of the most common questions you might face after the grantor’s passing is: Do I need to go through probate? In this blog post, we’ll break down the role of a trustee, explain when probate is required, and offer practical steps to navigate this process.

How to Sell A Property as a Trustee: A Step-by-Step Guide

05.03.2025 11:12 AM - By Robert MacLean - Comment(s)
How to Sell A Property as a Trustee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Acting as a trustee of a trust can be a significant responsibility. Selling trust-owned real estate requires careful adherence to legal, fiduciary, and procedural guidelines. This blog post provides a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Conservatorship v Guardianship v Receivership

05.01.2025 02:56 PM - By Robert MacLean - Comment(s)
Conservatorship v Guardianship v Receivership
Whether you're planning for a loved one’s care or dealing with a financial dispute, understanding these terms is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll break down what each one means, how they differ, and when they might apply.