Experiencing the death of a loved one is never an easy time. Unfortunately, mourning the death of a parent becomes more difficult if you're involved in an estate battle with one or all of your siblings. If you and your siblings are part of heated estate disputes in...
Under California inheritance laws, intestate succession is the process that determines the distribution of a person’s estate assets if no will or testament existed at the time of death. Unlike a last will, the inheritance laws are free from challenge by loved ones or...
For the second time in two years, Michelle C. Bartolic, Esq. – partner since 2021 – has received recognition as a SuperLawyers Rising Star. Currently, she exclusively practices in litigated and contested matters. An accomplished background Michelle started practicing...
Many California adults have no estate plan, despite the fact that they probably need one. Even if you have very few assets, it’s usually better to have something on the record about how you want them to be distributed. Your estate plan can also explain your medical...
Most California residents think of elder abuse as physical abuse or neglect that occurs in nursing homes. However, financial abuse of an elderly person can also happen. It’s important to recognize the signs of this abuse at the hands of your loved one’s guardian or...
Joseph E. Patton, Esq. has received his third consecutive and highly coveted Super Lawyers Rising Star award for 2022. This is not his only recognition, as he awaits taking on the Chair of the Orange County Bar Association – Conservatorship, Guardianship, and...
There are a number of different types of conservatorships for you to choose from in California. The choice that you make will depend on a number of factors. These can include your income level, time of life, and whether or not you can still make your own decisions....
Roth IRA is one of the most preferred methods used by people in California as a saving and investment option or to leave their inheritance to their heirs. This popularity is due to its tax-free status. While it sounds good, people still make costly mistakes when...
Some people choose to go through life believing themselves too young to worry about estate planning. This is a mistake for many reasons, three of which you can read about here. 1. Makes matters run smoothly after your death If you pass away without a will and other...
When someone dies, their loved ones are often left with a lot of questions about what to do next. This is especially true if the deceased left a complex estate. Thankfully, there is an established process for administering an estate after someone dies. Probate court...