What to Do If There Is No Will: Intestate Succession Explained
Losing a loved one is difficult under any circumstances, but when they pass away without a will, the situation becomes even more complex. In California, when someone dies without a will or estate plan, their assets are distributed through a legal process known as intestate succession. At Horizon Elder Law &...
What Happens to Bank Accounts, Homes, and Personal Property After Death?
What actually happens to someone’s property after they pass away? It’s a question many people face while grieving or thinking ahead. California law sets out a clear process for transferring assets like bank accounts, homes, and personal belongings, but the process can vary depending on how things are titled or whether there’s...
How COVID-19 Changed the Way Contra Costa Families Approach Estate Planning
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, most of us were focused on staying safe, finding supplies, and adjusting to a new normal. But as the months wore on, something else became clear—many families in Contra Costa started asking important questions about what would happen if they got sick or couldn’t make decisions for...
Estate Planning for Blended Families: Protecting Your Legacy in Contra Costa County
When two families come together, it’s not just about love—it’s about lives, legacies, and often, complex financial ties. In blended families, where one or both spouses have children from previous relationships, estate planning takes on new meaning. You want to support your spouse, provide for your biological children, and be fair to...
How California’s Community Property Laws Impact Your Estate Plan
Do you know who actually owns your property under California law? For many married couples, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. California is a community property state, which means that assets and debts acquired during marriage are generally considered jointly owned, regardless of who earned them or whose name is...
Why Everyone Needs an Advanced Healthcare Directive in California
An advanced healthcare directive is a vital component of your California estate plan. You might think you don’t need one, but any adult should make sure their family understands their healthcare wishes so the family knows what to do in the event they become incapacitated or unable to communicate. Having an...
Pour-Over Wills and Trusts: Simplifying Probate Avoidance
Probate is often an extended and expensive process involving multiple steps that can consume a lot of time while draining an estate of its resources. It’s no wonder people in Contra Costa County want to avoid probate if they can, but avoiding probate can also be complicated. Pour-over wills and trusts act...
How Estate Planning Can Help Small Business Owners in Contra Costa County
As a small business owner in Contra Costa County, you’ve worked hard to build a successful business. As such, you may want to see your business continue long after you stop working and to provide the wealth you’ve created to your loved ones. Here’s how careful estate planning can help you achieve...
Why You Should Title Your Assets Properly to Avoid Probate
The way you hold title to your assets affects what happens to them when you pass away. Many people assume that having a will is enough to protect their property and ensure it goes to the right people. However, that’s not always the case. If assets aren’t titled properly, they may go...
Top 5 Reasons Families Want to Avoid Probate
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of probate. This court process can tie up assets, delay inheritances, and create unnecessary expenses. Many families find themselves caught off guard, dealing with legal procedures when they should be focusing on grieving and healing.
Without a...