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Los Angeles Probate, Estate & Tax Blog
Recent developments in Probate, Estate and Tax Law.
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Why Should I Create a Testamentary Trust? Key Benefits Explained
Short Answer: A testamentary trust can help protect your beneficiaries from poor financial decisions, preserve government benefits for...
Linda Varga
2 min read
What Is a Holographic Will in California?
📌 Quick Answer: A holographic will is a will that is entirely handwritten and signed by the testator (the person making the will),...
Linda Varga
2 min read
What Is Temporary Guardianship in California and How Long Does It Last?
📌 Quick Answer: Temporary guardianship** in California is a short-term legal arrangement where someone is appointed to care for a minor...
Linda Varga
3 min read
How to Avoid a Nursing Home Taking Your House in California
📌 Quick Answer: To avoid a nursing home or Medi-Cal taking your house, you need to plan ahead by using legal tools such as irrevocable...
Linda Varga
3 min read
How to Protect Assets From Medi-Cal in California? Complete Guide
📌 Quick Answer: To protect assets from Medi-Cal recovery in California, you can use tools such as trusts, gifting strategies, exempt...
Linda Varga
3 min read
How Long After Probate Can Funds Be Distributed?
📌 Quick Answer: In California, probate funds are typically distributed 9 to 18 months after probate begins. Distribution can only...
Linda Varga
2 min read
Who Qualifies for IHSS in California? Benefits & Eligibility Explained
📌 Quick Answer: To qualify for IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) in California, an individual must be a low-income California resident...
Linda Varga
3 min read
What Is a Third-Party Special Needs Trust in California? Complete Guide
📌 Quick Answer: A third party special needs trust (SNT) is an estate planning tool used to hold and manage assets for a person with...
Linda Varga
3 min read
How to Find a Trustworthy Estate Planning Attorney in California
📌 Quick Answer: To find a qualified estate planning attorney, look for someone with experience in wills, trusts, and probate law in your...
Linda Varga
2 min read
How Often Are Will Contests Successful in California? Key Stats & Insights
Quick Answer: The success rate for challenging a will in California is low, with estimates suggesting that fewer than 10% to 15% of all...
Linda Varga
2 min read
Why Hire a Lawyer on Contingency in California? Pros, Cons, and How It Works
The Quick Answer: You Don’t Pay Unless You Win Hiring a lawyer on contingency means you pay nothing upfront—the attorney only gets paid...
Linda Varga
2 min read
How to Determine If Someone Is Entitled to an Inheritance in California
The Quick Answer: Look at the Will or Trust—Then Apply California’s Intestacy Laws If No Estate Plan Exists To determine whether someone...
Linda Varga
2 min read
Omitted Spouses in California: Rights, Exceptions, and What You Need to Know
The Quick Answer: Omitted Spouses May Inherit—Unless an Exception Applies Under California Probate Code §21610, if someone marries after...
Linda Varga
2 min read
How to Resolve Ambiguous Language in Wills and Trusts: A Complete Guide
The Quick Answer: If a Will or Trust Is Ambiguous, You Can Petition the Probate Court and Use Extrinsic Evidence to Clarify the...
Linda Varga
3 min read
How Taxes Can Derail Your Probate Litigation Case: Complete Guide
The Quick Answer: Tax Consequences Can Undermine Settlements, Delay Distributions, or Reduce Your Recovery Taxes are often an...
Linda Varga
2 min read
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