On September 30, 2021, California Senate Bill 2 became law with the goal of ensuring peace officers are held accountable for engaging in misconduct, by both creating a decertification process and limiting some qualified immunities protecting peace officers from civil liability. With the limits on qualified immunity going into effect January 1, 2022, the question of asset protection through estate planning has again arisen in our office.
Read MoreThere are some Estate Planning documents that are so important in what they do and so foundational to planning one's estate, that we always recommend our clients at least have these documents in order to have, what we consider, a "complete estate plan
Read MoreProbate and probate court procedures are large topics that can be difficult to grasp. Essentially, it is the process of transferring one's estate on to the next generation. However, there is a lot one should know going into the process.
Read MoreProbate can be an arduous process for a family to go through aside from the monetary cost of it all. Unfortunately, the real cost of probate can be a shock to those not already familiar with the various fees involved on top of what the probate code requires to be paid. Here we break down the real cost of probate in California.
Read MoreGenerally, there is no requirement to turn over your Trust or Will during your lifetime. Both documents are intended to be private. However, your Will does need to be logged with the probate court upon your passing and heirs and beneficiaries are entitled to a copy of your Trust and Will when you pass away.
Read MoreBoth joint tenancy and tenants in common are ways to hold property between two or more people. However, only joint tenancy carries an automatic right of survivorship. On the death of one co-owner, their interest terminates and the property is then held outright by the surviving co-owner. But what happens when a deed is silent on how the property is to be held?
Read More"The California Probate Code requires trustees to provide notice to heirs and beneficiaries in a few circumstances - when a trust becomes irrevocable and when there has been a change of trustee. Additionally, trustees are on a time limit to provide said notice."
Read MoreA well-known model that will help an owner or manager isolate particular forces and analyze which of these in the external environment are potential threats is the Five Forces Model developed by Michael Porter.
Read MoreProperly executing a California Will requires more than most legal documents. Two disinterested witnesses need to sign your Will in order for it to be considered valid. However, not anyone can be a witness. Additionally, witnesses serve very important roles "proving" a Will's validity.
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Bethel Law has expanded to a new office in Banning, CA. Additionally, we have added a new attorney to our team – Andrew Bethel!
