Every year, billions of dollars quietly sit with state governments, unclaimed and forgotten. Learn how proper estate planning keeps what you own from getting lost. Read more…

Retirement accounts follow different rules from other assets you may own. After you die, the people you love most may face unexpected tax burdens if you don’t understand how the rules work. Read more…

If your estate plan is years old, or you did it yourself, you may call an attorney asking for a quick, low-cost review of your estate planning documents, thinking it’s a quick and easy process. The reality is that an estate plan review is (or should be) more complicated than most people think. Read more…

A family mission statement gives meaning to your estate plan by clarifying your values, purpose, and hopes for future generations. Learn how it helps protect both wealth and relationships.

Probate in California is not only slow, it’s expensive. Learn how court fees, attorney fees, and hidden costs reduce what your loved ones inherit — and how to avoid probate entirely.

Probate in California is not only slow, it’s expensive. Learn how court fees, attorney fees, and hidden costs reduce what your loved ones inherit — and how to avoid probate entirely.

How long does probate take in California? The answer may surprise you. Probate often lasts 12–18 months or longer—and that’s for simple cases. In this article, attorney Ruby Steinbrecher explains the typical California probate timeline, what causes delays, and how proactive estate planning (like creating a funded revocable living trust) can save your family time, money, and stress.

Most California families don’t realize how easy it is to make costly probate mistakes until it’s too late. From relying on a will alone to forgetting to fund a trust, these common missteps can lead to unnecessary court delays, expenses, and stress for your loved ones. In this article, attorney Ruby Steinbrecher breaks down the five most common probate mistakes, how California probate law impacts your family, and the simple steps you can take today to avoid probate and protect your legacy.

Probate is the court process that handles what happens to your assets after you die — and in California, it can be slow, costly, and emotionally draining for your loved ones. This guide from the Law Office of Ruby Steinbrecher explains what probate is, when probate is required, and how to avoid probate altogether through smart, proactive estate planning. Learn how a revocable living trust can keep your family out of court, protect your privacy, and ensure your assets are transferred quickly and smoothly. Whether you already have a will or are just starting your estate plan, this article will help you understand why avoiding probate is one of the best gifts you can leave your family.