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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.

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Can You Change a Living Trust After It’s Created? California Rules

Can You Change a Living Trust After It’s Created? California Rules

ByMichael Living Trusts
One of the most common questions I hear as a California estate planning lawyer is whether a living trust can be changed after it is created. The short answer is yes, in most cases, you can change a...
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Deed transfer information after death

Transfer on Death Deeds in California: What You Should Know

ByMichael Estate Planning
California homeowners are often told there is a simple way to avoid probate using a transfer on death deed. On the surface, this sounds appealing. Probate in California is expensive, slow, and public...
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Michael Pevney advice about money control after death

Should Your Lawyer Control Your Money After You Pass Away

ByMichael Estate Planning
When creating an estate plan, most people focus on who will inherit their assets. An equally important question is often overlooked. Who should be in charge of managing and distributing your money...
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Urgent message about probate deadlines

How Long Do You Have to File Probate After Death in California

ByMichael Probate
When a loved one passes away, families are often left grieving and overwhelmed. Legal deadlines are rarely the first thing on anyone’s mind. One of the most common questions families ask is simple and...
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Probate advice and cautionary message

Can You Handle Probate Without a Lawyer in California?

ByMichael Probate
Choosing the right estate planning lawyer can make the difference between a plan that protects your family and one that causes confusion, delays, or future legal problems. Estate planning is not...
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Advice on choosing a lawyer

How To Find A Good Estate Planning Lawyer

ByMichael Estate Planning
Choosing the right estate planning lawyer can make the difference between a plan that protects your family and one that causes confusion, delays, or future legal problems. Estate planning is not...
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Questioning probate process and delays

Why Does Probate Take So Long in California

ByMichael Probate
California families are often surprised to learn that probate can take a very long time. It is common for probate cases to last twelve to twenty four months and sometimes even longer. As an estate...
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Avoid living trust traps, common mistakes.

The Real Downsides of a Living Trust in California (And How to Avoid Them)

ByMichael Living Trusts
Many California families want to understand the advantages and disadvantages of setting up a living trust. The question I hear often is simple. What are the negatives of setting up a living trust?...
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Inheriting debt misconceptions explained visually.

Debunking the Debt Myth: What Every California Family Should Know About Inheriting a Home

ByMichael Estate Planning
When parents pass away, their children are often left wondering what happens to any debts left behind especially if there’s a mortgage on the family home. It’s a stressful moment, and misinformation...
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Trust, will, or living will options

The Difference Between A Trust, A Will, and A Living Will

ByMichael Living Trusts
Most people have heard of a will, many know about a trust, and some have come across terms like living trust or living will. On top of that, there’s the broader concept of an estate plan...
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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...
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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...
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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?...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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The Three Essential Estate Planning Documents Every Adult Over 18 Needs

3 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...
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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...
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Why Life Insurance Belongs in Your Estate Plan (Especially in Orange County)

Essential Life Insurance in Estate Plan Orange County

ByMichael Estate Planning
See why life insurance is vital in securing your estate and protecting your family’s financial future...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Recent Posts

Can You Change a Living Trust After It’s Created? California Rules

Transfer on Death Deeds in California: What You Should Know

Should Your Lawyer Control Your Money After You Pass Away

How Long Do You Have to File Probate After Death in California

Can You Handle Probate Without a Lawyer in California?

Strategy for Smooth Legal Solutions – Pevney Estate Planning

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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.

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