Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. Someone has to validate the will, pay outstanding debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. Some estates move through probate smoothly. Many don't. Our friends at Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC discuss how probate cases vary wildly in complexity. A probate lawyer can help families understand their options and avoid mistakes that cost thousands of dollars. The Estate Is Substantial Or Complex Large estates don't fit into simple boxes. If your loved one owned multiple properties, had business interests, or maintained investment portfolios, you're looking at careful handling and detailed documentation. More assets mean more opportunities for valuation disputes, tax complications, and distribution challenges. Complex estates often include: Real estate in multiple states Business ownership interests Retirement accounts and investment portfolios Intellectual property or royalty rights Collections of valuable items A probate attorney coordinates appraisals, handles multi-state property transfers, and manages the technical requirements…Read More
Several new California landlord-tenant laws go into effect on January 1, 2026, bringing important changes that landlords should be aware of as they prepare new leases and update their policies. Below is a summary of important legal updates that may impact residential rental properties in California. For more information on these new laws and for assistance with your specific case, our Irvine, CA landlord tenant lawyer is here to help you. Mandatory Appliances In Rental Units (AB 628) Beginning January 1, 2026, landlords must provide both a stove and a refrigerator in residential dwelling units for any lease entered into, amended, or extended on or after that date. Stoves must be maintained in good working order and capable of safely generating heat for cooking. Refrigerators must be maintained in good working order and capable of safely storing food. Appliances subject to a manufacturer or public entity recall are considered unsafe. Landlords must repair or replace…Read More
You've negotiated repairs after the home inspection. The seller agreed to fix the leaky roof, replace the faulty water heater, and address the electrical issues. Now it's days before closing, and the work isn't done. Or the seller is backing out of the agreement entirely. This happens more often than you'd think. It can derail an otherwise smooth transaction, and it's incredibly frustrating when you've already invested time, money, and emotional energy into buying this home. What The Purchase Agreement Actually Says Most California real estate contracts include a section addressing repairs. The agreement typically specifies which repairs the seller will complete, the timeline for completion, and what happens if the work isn't done, but the key is the language used. Some agreements state the seller "agrees to repair" specific items. Others say the seller "will provide a credit" at closing. That distinction matters because it affects your legal remedies. If the contract says repairs…Read More
You've spent years building your business from the ground up. Long nights. Tough decisions. Sacrifices your family understood even when they didn't want to. But here's something most small business owners don't think about until it's almost too late: what happens to everything you've built when you're no longer running the show? That's where a living trust comes in. Why Business Succession Planning Matters Without a proper succession plan, your business could end up in probate court. And probate isn't quick. We're talking months, sometimes over a year, with your business assets frozen while courts sort through paperwork. Your employees don't know if they'll have jobs next month. Customers start looking elsewhere. Family members might disagree about who should take over or whether to sell. Then there's the tax bill. Estate taxes can force your heirs to sell the business just to pay what's owed. A living trust helps you sidestep these problems entirely. You're…Read More
When you sit down to create an estate plan, you're probably thinking about your house. Maybe your retirement accounts. Family heirlooms that need to go to the right people. But what about your cryptocurrency wallet? What happens to the 10,000 photos you've stored in the cloud? Or that side business you run entirely through Instagram? These digital pieces of your life don't just disappear when you're gone. They linger in a kind of legal limbo that can drive your family crazy. Understanding Digital Assets In Estate Planning Digital assets are anything you own or control electronically. It's a broader category than most people realize: Cryptocurrency and NFTs Online banking and investment accounts Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) Email accounts and cloud storage Digital photos and videos Business websites and domain names Subscription services and reward points Online gaming accounts with real monetary value Some of these have obvious financial worth. Others matter because they're…Read More
Our Orange, CA living trust knows that a living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and direct how they will be distributed after your death. It can offer benefits such as avoiding probate, protecting privacy, and providing a clear plan for your estate. While not everyone needs a living trust, certain situations make it worth considering. Knowing the signs can help you decide if it’s right for you. Our firm was founded in 2011, and we are here to answer any questions you might have regarding living trusts. You Have A Large Or Complex Estate If you own significant assets, such as multiple properties, investments, or business interests, a living trust can simplify how your estate is managed. A trust allows you to clearly specify how each asset should be handled and distributed, which can reduce delays and confusion for your heirs. You Want To Avoid…Read More
When you are responsible for trust administration, our Irvine, CA trust administration lawyer knows that one of the most important considerations is how the trust supports beneficiaries with special needs. These situations call for careful attention because the way funds are managed can affect access to public benefits, long-term care, and overall financial security. If a trust is not handled properly, it may unintentionally harm the very person it is meant to help. Trust administration and estate planning work hand in hand, since a well-structured estate plan creates the trust while proper administration carries out those wishes to protect beneficiaries and manage assets effectively. If a trust is not handled properly, it may unintentionally harm the very person it is meant to help. Founded in 2011, attorney September Katje started this firm from the ground up and will advocate for you on your behalf. Why Special Needs Beneficiaries Require Unique Planning Beneficiaries with disabilities often…Read More
When it comes to planning for the future, you want to make sure your wishes are carried out the right way. Our Orange, CA estate planning lawyer knows it might seem easy to go online and download a form for your will, trust, or power of attorney. But while those documents may look simple, they often don’t fully address your specific needs. That’s why working with an estate planning lawyer offers significant benefits compared to relying on online templates. We have specialized experience and believe in giving you peace and comfort with your estate plan. Personalization That Online Forms Don’t Offer Online estate planning documents are designed to be one-size-fits-all. They may cover basic needs, but they don’t account for your unique circumstances. When you work with a lawyer, your plan is customized to your situation, whether you have children from a previous marriage, own a business, or want to set up special provisions for…Read More
Probate can be a long and expensive legal process that delays the transfer of assets to family members after someone passes away. While probate is meant to settle debts and distribute property legally, many families find that it causes unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. Our Orange, CA estate planning lawyer knows that when someone owns large assets—like homes, investment accounts, or even vehicles such as construction trucks or business equipment—the probate process can be even more time-consuming and cause disputes. Fortunately, there are practical steps we can take now to help our loved ones avoid probate and receive their benefits faster. Our firm has decades of experience, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. Set Up A Living Trust One of the most reliable ways to avoid probate is by creating a living trust. When we transfer ownership of our assets into a trust, we still have control over them…Read More
Homeownership brings peace of mind, but dealing with an insurance claim after property damage can be frustrating. Many homeowners in Irvine face obstacles when trying to recover what they’re owed. Insurance companies don’t always act in good faith, leaving homeowners feeling powerless. Knowing when to get legal help can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. In this article, we’ll explore common situations where working with an Irvine, CA homeowner insurance lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and secure a fair settlement. Denied Claims Can Be Challenged Receiving a denial for a homeowner insurance claim is disheartening, especially when you’ve paid premiums for years. Insurance companies often cite policy exclusions, insufficient documentation, or late filings as reasons for denying claims. While some denials are valid, others are not. We frequently help clients appeal unjust denials by reviewing the insurance policy, gathering supporting evidence, and building a strong case. If your claim…Read More
