ESTATE PLANNING INSIGHTS

Orange County Estate Planning Articles & Guides

Stay informed with practical insights on estate planning, trusts, and probate in California. Michael Pevney shares expert guidance to help Orange County families protect their assets, simplify legal processes, and secure peace of mind for the future.

Joint accounts can be misleading.

How a Joint Account Can Save Your Family from Probate (and When It Can’t)

ByMichael Probate

When someone passes away, their assets including homes, bank accounts, and investments don’t automatically transfer to loved ones. In California, if those assets are titled only in the deceased...

Warning about financial loss potential

Blended Family Estate Planning Horror Story: How One Couple Lost Everything

ByMichael Estate Planning

As you may know, over half of all first marriages end in divorce. About 60% of second marriages end in divorce, 70% of third marriages, and well the pattern continues. With remarriages come new...

Estate planning advice and caution

How to Keep Your Estate Plan Safe

ByMichael Estate Planning

You’ve spent time, thought, and resources creating an estate plan that protects your family and assets, but have you thought about how to keep that plan safe?...

Estate planning essentials for families

What Does a Complete Estate Plan Include?

ByMichael Estate Planning

One of the questions I hear most often is, “What does a complete estate plan actually include?” It’s a great question because most people think an estate plan is just a will...

Michael Pevney explains about how to Add a Home with a Mortgage to a Living Trust Without Refinancing

How to Add a Home with a Mortgage to a Living Trust Without Refinancing

ByMichael Living Trusts

For many California homeowners, transferring a home into a revocable living trust is one of the most important steps in protecting family assets, avoiding probate, and ensuring your property passes...

Michael Pevney explains about how to stop probate from taking $46K

Did You Know It Costs $46,000 to Get a $1 Million Home Through California Probate?

ByMichael Probate

If you think probate is just a small court process after someone passes away, think again. In California, probating a $1 million home costs around $46,000 in legal...

Estate planning cost inquiry and advice

How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in California?

ByMichael Estate Planning

When families create a living trust in California, one of the first questions that comes up is whether the trust should have its own bank account. The answer depends on how your trust is set up, but...

Trust bank account inquiry graphic.

Does Your Living Trust Need Its Own Bank Account?

ByMichael Living Trusts

When families create a living trust in California, one of the first questions that comes up is whether the trust should have its own bank account. The answer depends on how your trust is set up, but...

Avoid probate mistakes for families.

Top 5 Reasons Californians Still End Up in Probate (and How to Avoid It)

ByMichael Probate

Probate can be one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of settling an estate. In California, the court process can easily take a year or more, freezing access to assets and creating added...

The Three Essential Estate Planning Documents Every Adult Over 18 Needs

The Three Essential Estate Planning Documents Every Adult Over 18 Needs

ByMichael Estate Planning

Discover the three key documents every California adult needs to protect their future and legacy...

How a Living Trust Secure Your Legacy in Orange County

How a Living Trust Secure Your Legacy in Orange County

ByMichael Living Trusts

Learn how a living trust simplifies inheritance and protects your loved ones in Orange County...

Why Life Insurance Belongs in Your Estate Plan (Especially in Orange County)

Why Life Insurance Belongs in Your Estate Plan (Especially in Orange County)

ByMichael Estate Planning

See why life insurance is vital in securing your estate and protecting your family’s financial future...

Protect Your Family Home in Orange County: Estate Planning for Families

Protect Your Family Home in Orange County: Estate Planning for Families

ByMichael Estate Planning

Ensure your family home stays protected through effective estate planning and legal guidance...

Probate vs Trust in California: Why Trusts Win for Orange County Families

Probate vs Trust in California: Why Trusts Win for Orange County Families

ByMichael Probate

Understand why establishing a trust can save time, stress, and money compared to probate...

Why DIY Estate Plans Often Fail in California (Especially for OC Families)

Why DIY Estate Plans Often Fail in California (Especially for OC Families)

ByMichael Estate Planning

Find out why DIY estate plans can backfire and how expert guidance ensures lasting protection...

Living Trust Privacy in Orange County: Keep Your Estate Confidential

Living Trust Privacy in Orange County: Keep Your Estate Confidential

ByMichael Living Trusts

Learn how living trusts protect your privacy and keep estate matters confidential in California...

Estate Planning Mistake: Joint Ownership with Children in California

Estate Planning Mistake: Joint Ownership with Children in California

ByMichael Estate Planning

Avoid costly legal mistakes—why joint ownership with children can complicate your estate...

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With over 18 years of legal experience in Orange County, Michael Pevney focuses on estate planning to help families protect assets, avoid probate, and secure their legacy with confidence.