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.
Adoption brings families together in beautiful and meaningful ways. However, it can also lead to questions about legal rights, especially when it comes to inheritance. Many adoptive families and biological parents may wonder about the inheritance rights of an adopted child. This blog post addresses the questions of: can an adopted child inherit from their […]
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At Desert Law Group, we’ve been helping families in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley with estate planning, probate and trust administration for over 25 years. A common question we hear is about the role of a trustee in California. A trustee is authorized to manage and invest trust assets, pay debts and taxes, distribute […]
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If you’re dealing with trustee issues in California, you might be wondering about the process, rights, and costs involved. The cost to remove a trustee can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the case’s complexity and the trustee’s level of opposition. Legal fees are typically the largest expense, but […]
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In today’s rapidly changing regulatory environment, staying informed about business requirements is essential. New rules, such as the still-evolving Corporate Transparency Act, underscore the need for proactive planning to ensure compliance and protect the future of your business. These shifts make it more critical than ever to address business succession thoughtfully, laying the groundwork for […]
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Losing a loved one is tough enough, but disputes over their will can make things even more stressful. In California, you can challenge a will by filing a petition in probate court within 120 days of the will being admitted to probate, or by objecting at the initial probate hearing if it hasn’t been admitted […]
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Unlike a revocable trust, which you have the flexibility to change during your lifetime, an irrevocable trust is permanent once established. While this may seem daunting, its benefits, like asset protection and tax savings, often outweigh the drawbacks. In California, setting up an irrevocable trust involves a few steps: choosing a trustee, naming beneficiaries, drafting […]
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Choosing who will manage a trust is an important decision, and appointing co-trustees can make the process smoother than simply choosing one trustee. By sharing duties, co-trustees provide greater accountability and stability in managing the trust, ensuring your wishes are honored. This approach offers valuable benefits for those planning their estate in California. For over […]
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A charitable trust is a smart way to support the causes you care about while enjoying tax benefits. It allows you to contribute assets to charity, fulfill your philanthropic goals, and even provide income for your family. Setting one up in California requires different steps, such as choosing the right trust type, preparing the trust […]
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When it comes to estate planning, many believe creating a living trust automatically includes all assets. However, unless you actually transfer the title of the property into your trust, those assets may still go through probate. In California, property not titled in your trust can be subject to probate, delaying distributions, increasing costs, and exposing […]
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When it comes to estate planning, beneficiary designations are a critical yet often overlooked detail. These designations determine who will receive your assets, such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts, upon your death. Keeping them current is vital to ensuring your wishes are honored and your estate plan functions smoothly. Many people […]
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