As a California estate attorney since 1994 I have planned thousands of estates with people during their lives and, likewise, dealt with thousands of estates after death in trust administration and also in the California probate process. Years ago I
Meissner, Joseph, Palley & Ruggles
The firm was founded by two attorneys, Robert Fort and Morgan Johnson, on the core belief of providing top notch legal services with reasonable legal fees. While the firm has continued to meet those core beliefs, our lawyers have also added efficiency and client service to our core.
We will provide you top notch legal services with extremely reasonable legal fees, and at the same time provide you with the top shelf client service that our clients have learned to expect; the “white glove” treatment if you will. Additionally, you can expect to receive efficient replies to emails and calls, meetings set on short notice and legal work done when we say it will be done.
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Happy new year 2023 – GET YOUR WILL DONE
Each year people plan their new year’s resolutions and each year, for many people, “get will done” is on the list. Another year has passed and, for many of us, that is one more year without a proper estate plan…
Another California celebrity dies without a will – Coolio
As an old school rap aficionado myself I was saddened to hear that Coolio had passed. He had a couple of big songs so wasn’t a one hit wonder. However, maybe a two hit wonder!? In any event, I liked…
Probate for people who died after moving from California
I don’t think I am telling you anything you don’t already know. People are moving out of California. This post is not about that phenomenon or the political ramifications or reasons. This post is focused on what do you do…
Where to file probate for a California bank account?
The question of where to file probate for a California bank account, when the person who died lived in another state or country, brings into play what are called the ancillary probate rules. Ancillary probate essentially means there are assets…
Why are many attorneys so slow?
I ask the question why are many attorneys so slow but really the question for today is why are some California probate attorneys so slow… and the converse… why are we SO EFFICIENT?
I have heard countless times over the…
Ancillary probate and property taxes in California
I selected the topic of Ancillary probate and property taxes in California because it’s a common discussion in my office and much more so since the passage of Prop 19 in California. Prop 19 ripped the heart out of the…
House appreciation and probate costs
Many people are unsure and unaware how attorney fees and court costs work in a California probate case. With amazing house appreciation the last 10 years I wanted to talk a little bit about how house appreciation and probate costs…
Twenty-four things dying people wished they had done differently
Twenty-four things dying people wished they had done differently are listed below. What about you? Are you living your best life? Are you saving money to benefit your kids in the future? Will your kids have to go through probate? …
How do you lodge a will in a California probate?
People are often confused on this one. How do you lodge a will in a California probate? Many people, over the years, have asked if you file the will with the county clerk or with the county recorder. The correct…