Already known as a fierce advocate who thrives in the face of adversity, Senior Associate Michelle C. Bartolic can now add recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Estate & Trust Litigation. Since she first started practicing law, her focus has been on trust...
Senior Associate Joseph Patton has again been designated a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Estate & Trust Litigation in 2021. The recognition comes as no surprise as he enjoys rolling up his sleeves to help clients resolve disputes and challenges they face when it...
Anyone can be the victim of financial abuse. However, older adults are particularly vulnerable to acts of financial exploitation. In some cases, this may be due to the cognitive decline that comes along with older age. However, other factors may also play a...
After creating your estate plan, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you have protected your wishes. However, if you completed your plan several years ago, it may be wise to revisit the matter to ensure your plan still represents your present-day needs....
An estate executor has numerous responsibilities, which can be overwhelming. And these duties can be further complicated by family unrest and emotional trauma following someone’s death. In these circumstances, accurate recordkeeping can be crucial because...
Opioid addiction has skyrocketed over the past 20 years and is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 50. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says 42,000 people died from opioid abuse in 2016, which is five times greater than in 1999....
One of the largest issues that beneficiaries tend to have with a trustee is that the trustee may refuse to communicate with them. Many trustees abuse their position of power and think they aren’t required to relay crucial information to the beneficiaries about the...
There are some telltale signs that your estate may cause issues in the courts or among family members after your death. Knowing what these issues are and how to pinpoint them can truly help you create a solid estate plan that is going to hold water and that is going...
Deciding to contest a will can be a serious action to take. The process can be emotional, time-consuming and expensive. It can also cause rifts in families. However, challenging a will is sometimes necessary despite the potential difficulties. To contest a will, you...
After the death of a loved one, actions begin almost immediately to manage the affairs of the estate. When the deceased individual incorporated a trust into their estate plan, the trustee must abide by the terms of the trust to distribute trust assets. In California,...