#lastwillandtestament

Family Law + Estate Planning Blog

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Sep 13
3 min

Joint Tenancy & Estate Planning

There are several ways to own real property jointly. Whether the property needs to go through probate after the death of an owner depends on the type of joint ownership. The two most common forms of joint ownership in California include: ● tenancy in common ● joint tenancy with right of survivorship This blog will only discuss joint tenancy with right of survivorship as it is a very common form of title used by families in California. What is it? Joint tenancy with

Prop 19 Makes Estate Planning Even More Crucial

Genoveva Meza Talbott

May 9
3 min

Prop 19 Makes Estate Planning Even More Crucial

Prop 19 Makes Estate Planning Even More Crucial if you want your heirs to inherit as much as possible and disinherit Uncle Sam. We can help.

3 Things You Must Do Once Your Divorce Is Final

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Mar 19
3 min

3 Things You Must Do Once Your Divorce Is Final

Do You Still Need An Estate Plan If You Use A Revocable Transfer on Death Deed?

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Feb 6
3 min

Do You Still Need An Estate Plan If You Use A Revocable Transfer on Death Deed?

A Transfer on Death Deed may help you avoid probate for real estate. But there are specific requirements so it works as intended.

Being Married Does Not Guarantee You’ll Inherit the House without Probate?

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Jan 17
3 min

Being Married Does Not Guarantee You’ll Inherit the House without Probate?

It’s time to talk about something that happens all too often and can be avoided altogether with more knowledge and legal planning. We’ve had to help so many widows and widowers probate their family homes because they incorrectly believed they would inherit their home automatically even without an estate plan. The truth is that inheriting real property will involve some level of paperwork. How expensive, lengthy, or complicated a process depends on many things. Today, I will d

Planning for the Future Without a Crystal Ball

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Jan 9
3 min

Planning for the Future Without a Crystal Ball

We can help you plan for the future, even if you don't have a crystal ball.

The Shocking Truth About Beneficiary Designations

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Oct 16, 2021
2 min

The Shocking Truth About Beneficiary Designations

Designations can be confusing, and unintended and costly consequences can result if they are misunderstood, made incorrectly, or not made.

Common Misconceptions About Revocable Living Trusts

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Oct 16, 2021
3 min

Common Misconceptions About Revocable Living Trusts

Don't let common misconceptions about revocable living trusts prevent you from using this invaluable tool to your benefit.

5 Things Every New Mother Needs to Know About Wills

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Jul 11, 2021
3 min

5 Things Every New Mother Needs to Know About Wills

The sooner you start planning, the better. As a new mother, you naturally want to ensure your new baby’s future in every way. For many new mothers, infancy is a time for celebrating new life, and making a will is the last thing on their minds. For others, the process of bringing new life into the world sparks intense feelings of wanting control and needing organization. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, you might be struggling to figure out what steps you need to

Mistakes to Avoid When Succession Planning for Your Business

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Jul 2, 2021
5 min

Mistakes to Avoid When Succession Planning for Your Business

Here are the top mistakes that people make when creating a business succession plan – and how you can avoid them.

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Jun 27, 2021
3 min

Happy 18th Birthday! Now What?

Happy 18th Birthday! Now that you are an adult, your parents' ability to help you make important decisions is limited. You can change that.

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Jun 14, 2021
3 min

Kids Going Away To College?

Are your kids going away to college? Why You Should Include Estate Planning in the Preparation

Genoveva Meza Talbott

May 11, 2021
7 min

The Lesson Plan for Your Estate

We are here to make sure you have the foundational estate planning documents to ensure your own successful future.

Is a Transfer On Death Deed a good option for you?

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Apr 18, 2021
3 min

Is a Transfer On Death Deed a good option for you?

Using a Transfer of Death Deed to avoid probate.

Are you sure you won’t need a conservatorship?

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Mar 29, 2021
3 min

Are you sure you won’t need a conservatorship?

What is a conservatorship? In simple terms, a conservatorship is a way for someone to assume legal guardianship over an adult when that adult can no longer take care of themselves or manage their affairs due to incapacity. Conservatorships follow the laws in the California Probate Code. Yes, this is the same probate code that deals with the administration of your estate when you die. A conservatorship is sometimes called a “living probate.” Families often use conservatorships

What is Probate and why should I avoid it?

Genoveva Meza Talbott

Feb 21, 2021
2 min

What is Probate and why should I avoid it?

Probate is the legal process (e.g., court process) of administering a person’s estate when they die. In California, the process can last an average of 18 months, with some probates lasting more than 2 years. If there is a will, probate will be the process of proving a last will and testament, which means verifying that the will is legal and the deceased person’s intentions as written in the will are carried out. Probate, when there is no will, means that the court decides how