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I recently had a client we will call Jane Doe. Jane came to me concerned about creating her estate plan to protect the important people in her life. Jane has a daughter, Mary, and a son, Michael. Jane's first husband (Mary & Michael's father) died 20 years ago. Jane is now living with a male companion, Joseph; they are not married. Jane and Joseph have been living together for about 5 years and are enjoying their retirement together in Southern California. Jane's daughter Mary lives [...]

At the Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph, P.C., we often see the unintended consequences when someone passes away without a will. This situation, known as dying "intestate," can leave your loved ones facing complex legal challenges. Let's explore what intestate succession means for you and your family. Understanding Intestate Succession When you die without a valid will, state laws determine how your assets are distributed. This process, called intestate succession, may not align with your wishes or your family's needs. How Your Assets May [...]

As a Palm Springs estate planning attorney, I've seen firsthand how the probate process can impact people. When a loved one passes away in California without an estate plan, their assets often go through probate - a court-supervised process that can be difficult, confusing, lengthy and expensive Probate typically takes 12 to 18 months, but can extend to years for complicated estates or if a dispute arises. This lengthy process can be emotionally draining. Probate costs often range from 3% to 7% of the total [...]