Heritage Legal, PC

08/30/2026

08/25/2026

Did you buy your Palm Springs home while living out of state? That could be affecting your trust more than you realize.

California is a community property state meaning anything acquired during marriage is assumed to be owned by both spouses. Second marriages, blended families, and long-term unmarried partnerships will affect how your trust works and whether or not it protects your home.

Another unique situation we encounter all the time is improperly transferred leased land that didn't go through the appropriate approval process and therefore is never really in the trust resulting in a probate. This is especially common for seasonal residents and second-home owners here in the Coachella Valley.

Fortunately it's usually a straightforward fix once we review your deed.

Read more to understand how your Palm Springs can be affected. See link in comments.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

08/19/2026

True or False: Can someone actually contest your living trust?

Living trusts are one of the best tools for avoiding probate, but "harder to contest" isn't the same as "impossible to contest."

See link in comments for what you need to know about contested living trusts.

This post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.

08/13/2026

This is why we do what we do. Helping Coachella Valley families protect what matters most. That's the goal, every time.
Disclaimer: Testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

08/06/2026

How much does probate cost in California?

California sets probate attorney fees by law and it’s based on the size of the estate, not what your loved ones actually receive.

Here's the breakdown of statutory attorney fees:
4% of the first $100,000
3% of the next $100,000
2% of the next $800,000
1% of the next $9 million
0.5% of the next $15 million.

Additionally, a personal representative can collect the same amount, which increases fees further. In addition to other related costs, probate expenses can add up quickly.

Most California probate cases take around 9 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Probate is not always avoidable, but you can reduce delays and expenses through professional estate planning.

See link in comments for an in depth breakdown of probate expenses and actions you can take.

This post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.

07/31/2026

True or False?

Property acquired before marriage is automatically split evenly if something happens to one partner.

False.

How property is titled, when it was acquired, and how expenses were shared can all affect what happens later - it doesn't sort itself out automatically.

A little planning now means fewer surprises (and less conflict) down the road. We help LGBTQ+ couples throughout the Coachella Valley put clear property plans in writing.

Link in comments for full article.
Heritage Legal, PC | Palm Springs, CA — Attorney Advertising

07/20/2026

Building a life together means planning for the future and for LGBTQ+ couples, that planning matters more than ever.

Marriage provides real legal protection, but it doesn't cover everything.

Default inheritance laws may not reflect your priorities. Healthcare decisions can default to biological relatives instead of your spouse if the right documents aren't in place. And, property owned before marriage can raise questions no one wants to sort out during a crisis.

A clear estate plan puts your wishes in writing, so your relationship - and your family, however you define it - is protected.

See link in comments for 2026 Estate Planning Tips for LGBTQ+ Couples.

This post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.

07/12/2026

Settling an estate after a loss is emotional and definitely hard enough without added conflict. Old family dynamics resurface. Timelines feel slow. Nobody's quite sure who's deciding what, or why.

Most disputes come from a lack of clarity, not real disagreement. Clear communication and the right documentation can prevent a lot of trouble.

07/06/2026

Most people hear the word probate and immediately think of a long, stressful nightmare. Sometimes it can be just that.

Probate is the court-supervised process used to transfer property, resolve outstanding debts, and carry out a will or, when no will exists, apply California succession laws.

So, how long does it take? Short answer: probate is rarely quick.

The length of time it takes to go through probate in California varies. The court has to take into account such considerations as: a contested will, type and location of assets, creditor claims or tax issues, court scheduling and required waiting periods.

Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you navigate the system smoothly, or structure your own plan to protect your loved ones from the hassle altogether.

06/30/2026

Did you know you can say no to being an executor?

If someone named you as the executor of their will, you might assume you're locked in. You're not.

In California, you can decline the role before probate begins with no court approval needed. Even after being formally appointed, you can petition to step down if your circumstances change.

That said, the role is a big one.

Executors are responsible for managing the estate through the entire probate process: gathering assets, paying debts, communicating with beneficiaries, and distributing property. Sometimes this can take several months.

Whether you're weighing whether to accept, thinking about who to name in your own will, or just trying to understand how it all works - we've got answers.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.