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Los Angeles Probate, Estate & Tax Blog
Recent developments in Probate, Estate and Tax Law.
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Planning for Possible Incapacity in California: Safeguard Your Future and Protect Your Family
Short Answer Planning for possible incapacity in California means preparing legal tools—like durable powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, and living trusts—to ensure your medical and financial decisions are handled according to your wishes if you become unable to make them yourself. Proper incapacity planning provides peace of mind, protects your assets, and prevents court-appointed intervention through a conservatorship. Introduction: Preparing for the Unexpec
Linda Varga
4 min read
Caring for a Parent with Dementia: Legal and Financial Options in California
Short Answer When a parent develops dementia, families have multiple care and financial options, including home care, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, and Medi-Cal coverage. Proper estate planning, asset protection, and long-term care planning with an estate planning attorney can ensure your parent’s needs are met while preserving home equity, assets, and the family legacy. Introduction: The Challenges of Dementia Care Caring for a parent with dementia involves fa
Linda Varga
3 min read
The Dangers of an Unfunded Trust: Protecting Your Estate and Legacy
Short Answer An unfunded trust occurs when assets are not properly transferred into the trust. Without proper funding, the trust cannot accomplish its purpose, leaving your estate exposed to probate, Medi-Cal estate recovery, and other risks. Funding a trust ensures proper asset protection, estate management, and safeguards for your family and beneficiaries. Introduction: Why Trust Funding Matters Establishing a trust is a cornerstone of modern estate planning. However, many
Linda Varga
3 min read
How to Transfer an Automobile in California Without Probate
Short answer: Yes, you can usually transfer a car without opening a probate case in California — if you follow the right steps. Vehicles are one of the few assets that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows to pass outside of formal probate when the estate meets certain criteria. The key is understanding whether the decedent’s total assets require probate and which transfer procedure applies. At Moravec, Varga & Mooney , we guide families through these tran
Linda Varga
4 min read
Asset Protection Through Retirement Plans - Understanding the Benefits of California Code of Civil Procedure Section 704.115
Short Answer: California Code of Civil Procedure §704.115 protects certain retirement and private retirement plan assets from creditors — even in bankruptcy or judgment situations. For many Californians, this statute is the foundation of effective asset protection and estate planning. At Moravec, Varga & Mooney , we frequently advise clients on how to safeguard their assets without crossing into unlawful “asset hiding.” Section 704.115 offers one of the few lawful and time-t
Linda Varga
4 min read
Can I Do My Own Estate Planning? A Lawyer’s Perspective
Short answer: You can — but estate planning isn’t about filling out forms; it’s about protecting your life’s work, your family, and your intentions. In today’s digital world, it’s easy to believe that estate planning can be accomplished with a few clicks and a credit card. Online legal platforms advertise quick, inexpensive “trust kits” and “DIY will packages.” For many Californians, especially those with modest estates, the appeal is understandable: why hire an attorney if
Linda Varga
5 min read
How to Secure Your Family’s Future with Effective Estate Planning
Introduction Every family dreams of stability, protection, and financial security. Yet without effective estate planning, those dreams...
Linda Varga
4 min read
Top 6 Estate Planning Myths Debunked: Will Power Explained
Introduction: Estate planning is one of the most crucial steps individuals and families can take to secure their financial legacy,...
Linda Varga
4 min read
Is Estate Planning the Same as a Will?
Introduction: Clearing the Confusion Around Estate Planning When people hear the word “estate,” they often think of a last will and...
Linda Varga
4 min read
California Proposition 19 Explained: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
Introduction: California property tax law has always been complex, but few measures have reshaped the landscape as significantly as California Proposition 19. Originally passed in November 2020 and fully implemented in 2021, this constitutional amendment continues to affect homeowners, heirs, seniors, and families in 2026. At Moravec, Varga & Mooney, we guide families, retirees, and property owners through the intricacies of California property law, ensuring they make infor
Linda Varga
4 min read
What Is Fair in a Second Marriage and Estate Planning?
Introduction: Marriage is a celebration of commitment, but when it comes to second marriages, estate planning introduces a complex web of...
Linda Varga
4 min read
How to Open a Trust Checking Account in California?
Managing a trust involves more than simply following instructions in a legal document—it requires precision, responsibility, and...
Linda Varga
3 min read
What is a Trust Protector in California?
Introduction In today’s world of estate planning, flexibility and oversight are crucial. Traditional trusts often grant broad authority...
Linda Varga
3 min read
What Can be Done when a Beneficiary is harassing the executor in California?
Introduction Estate administration is never an easy task. Executors and trustees often dedicate countless hours to fulfilling their...
Linda Varga
3 min read
Are Wills Public Records in California?
Introduction When someone passes away, their last will often becomes the focal point of estate planning and asset distribution. But a...
Linda Varga
3 min read
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