Welcome to the Desert Law Group blog! Here you will find estate planning information and insights, helpful tips to preserve your wealth and protect your assets, and copies of our latest newsletters, Lawyer for Life, Elder Law Update, and Smart Aging Update.
Browse recent posts to gain general information, use the menu at the left to search by topic, or join the Desert Law Group community by subscribing to have new posts emailed directly to your inbox. Topics include: estate planning, probate and trusts, healthcare planning, special needs planning, charitable giving, and more. Check back regularly for updates!
If you would like to receive more information about anything you’ve read on our blog or have questions that you can’t find the answer to, contact our office at 760-776-9977 to speak with an estate planning attorney.
At Desert Law Group, we’ve spent over 25 years guiding Californians through the delicate process of estate planning. Our focus is usually on ensuring that our clients’ loved ones are well provided for. But sometimes, people wish to go in a different direction—leaving specific individuals out of their inheritance. Although it’s a sensitive matter, there […]
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As part of your estate planning considerations, it’s essential to stay informed about financial changes that could impact you, your beneficiaries and your overall financial strategy. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which is particularly relevant for those receiving Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security […]
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Since the pandemic beginning in 2020, the cost of goods has increased significantly. Older Americans are finding their retirement savings are not going quite as far as they had expected. As older adults consider different ways to supplement their retirement incomes, one consideration is a reverse mortgage. But what is it, and when might it […]
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Many people assume an executor has full control over a will, but here’s a common surprise: executors can’t change the will’s terms. They must follow its instructions as written. At Desert Law Group, we’ve helped many families in the Coachella Valley handle the ins and outs of probate and understand these nuances. Let’s clarify what […]
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You’ve been named as someone’s agent under the Power of Attorney in California – congratulations on being trusted with this important role! It’s a big responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Desert Law Group, we understand that stepping into this position can feel a bit daunting, and we’re here to guide you […]
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Losing a loved one is a difficult experience and dealing with the legal responsibilities that follow only adds to the emotional weight. Probate is often necessary to settle an estate, so understanding the timeline is key. In California, while there’s no strict deadline for filing probate, acting promptly is important to ensure the estate is […]
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Each year, many Californians pass away without leaving a last will, often assuming their family would automatically inherit their property. But when someone dies without a will, California’s intestate succession laws take over, dictating who gets what. While this system may seem straightforward, it can lead to unintended results, especially if you have a complex […]
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Planning for what happens after you’re gone is understandably overwhelming, but it’s important to ensuring your loved ones are taken care of. One area that often confuses people is probate—especially in California, where the rules can feel a little tricky. If you’ve heard the term but aren’t exactly sure when probate is necessary, you’re in […]
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At Desert Law Group, we know that dealing with probate can feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions clients ask when faced with the probate process is: “How long does probate take?” Generally, probate can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months, but the exact timeline depends on the specific circumstances of each case. […]
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Probate is a legal process that occurs after someone passes away, designed to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and applicable laws. Probate is not a necessary step in every estate administration, but many people do not realize it can be avoided. Understanding the probate process can help alleviate concerns and […]
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