A: Yes! In California, two individuals can take title to real property as tenants-in-common, and in whichever percentages the owners agree on. Your sister could own a 30% interest as a tenant-in-common while you own a 70% interest as a tenant-in-common, for instance.
A: Assets you receive as a gift or inheritance typically aren’t taxable income at the federal level (some states have inheritance taxes though). However, if the assets later produce income (perhaps they earn interest or dividends, or you collect rent), that income is...
A: Yes, but not without an estate plan. Under California’s intestate succession laws (Probate Code §§6400–6414), if you die without estate planning, the State decides who gets your assets. Your long-term partner isn’t on the list—they’re treated as a legal stranger....
A: When you create a trust, you’ll name a successor trustee. This is someone who steps in to administer the trust either because you have become incapacitated or you have passed. This person will manage and distribute your assets according to your wishes, so it’s...
A: Yes, potentially! Starting January 1, 2026, California is reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test for many programs. That means your mom’s eligibility could depend not just on her income, but on what she owns. The rule will limit countable assets to $130,000 for an...
A: These are your three options: 1. Record a revocation 2. Record a new TOD deed 3. Record a deed transferring the property to a third party or a trust Remember: a TOD deed cannot be revoked by a will!
A: Yes, you can! In California, two individuals can take title to real property as tenants-in-common, and in whichever percentages the owners agree on. For example, your brother could own a 75% interest as a tenant-in-common while you own a 25% interest as a...
A: Yes—and ideally, every 7–10 years at the most. Even if your wishes stay the same, older documents can be seen as “stale.” Banks, hospitals, and other institutions may worry that a newer version exists—one they haven’t seen—and could hesitate or refuse to honor the...
A: It's a new California law (effective for any death that occurs on or after April 1, 2025) that allows heirs to inherit a primary residence worth up to $750,000 without going through a full probate.
A: Not usually; most courts in California use a tentative ruling system. Here's what this means: In the days before the hearing on a petition, the court will post its intended ruling on the petition. If the tentative ruling is to grant the petition and no objection is...
