Palm Springs Law Blog

Losing a loved one can prove devastating. When you are dealing with such strong emotions and putting one foot in front of the other, you probably don’t want to have to deal with figuring out their estate – let alone if it goes to probate. 

Probate is a legal process in which a court-appointed executor helps to settle an individual’s estate and ensure its validity. Unfortunately, though, probate can be quite expensive and lengthy – it can even last for years. 

Is There a Way to Avoid Probate?

You may possibly be able to avoid the probate process if the executor of the estate can prove that all of the person’s debts have been paid by their estate and no significant debts remain.
Read more . . .

Estate plans help us to take care of others and ourselves when we are not in a place to be able to do so ourselves. Whether due to incapacitation or death, we always want to be sure that our loved ones and ourselves will best be protected. This holds an even more important meaning for families who have a child or loved one with a disability. 

Once they reach the age of 18, the government treats all individuals with disabilities as adults. However, anyone who becomes disabled prior to the age of 22 may receive Social Security Income (SSI) benefits as long as the sum of their cash assets remains under $2,000 and their income stays lower than the amount of money they would receive in SSI benefits.
Read more . . .

Studies have shown that companion animals help us to reduce stress and blood pressure, and allow us to live longer. They are the ones waiting by the door every time you return, only to greet you with unconditional affection. That is why although they are our companion animals, many of us consider them to be a member of the family. 

Unfortunately, the law does not yet share this sentiment. Under the law, companion animals are still considered to be a type of tangible personal property – no different than our car or our couch.
Read more . . .

From bank accounts to taxes, to purchasing a home, as couples embark on the journey of marriage, there are many aspects of each individual’s life that become joined. However, one aspect that most newlyweds don’t think about is the creation of an estate plan.

Regardless of each individual’s age, sex, sexual orientation, gender-identity or socioeconomic status, it is never too early to establish an estate plan.
Read more . . .

Lawsuits are a real part of all businesses. No matter which industry you’re in, you may always be exposed. But although everyone runs the risk of facing a lawsuit, there are certain professionals who are at a much higher risk. These individuals include physicians, business owners, financial advisors, and lawyers. The nature of their work is inherently more open to liability.
Read more . . .

You can create an estate plan for you and your significant other – regardless of whether or not you are legally married. This applies not only to heterosexual couples but for gay couples as well.  The good news is that estate planning for same-sex couples doesn’t have to be overwhelming or difficult to understand. Since the law continues to evolve, it is important to consult with a

Read more . . .

Apart from the emotional turmoil that typically surrounds a divorce, particularly if there are children involved, serious financial concerns will affect both parties. If you are wondering, or worrying, about how your lifestyle will be affected by the change in your marital status, you need a well-informed, highly skilled family law attorney to guide you through. While it is nice to think that you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse/partner will be able to agree on a fair distribution of assets and a reasonable division of debts, in most cases divorces become tug of wars.
Read more . . .

Today, many individuals seeking estate planning services look to the internet, where they often find form documents such as wills readily available. Nonetheless, using a blanket form and not seeking legal advice can be a costly mistake: a will that is poorly conceived or that does not adhere to California law may be invalidated by the probate court. The best way to properly prepare a will, protect your assets, and provide for your loved ones is to consult an experienced estate planning attorney.
Read more . . .

I’m occasionally asked to file a petition for legal name change for a client, and I’m always interested in why people want to take on a new moniker. Both famous people and ordinary folks change their names, and they usually have some very good reasons to do it. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Read more . . .

Travel is refreshing and exciting, but can sometimes be risky. I wrote an article several years ago with some advice for LGBTQ people on the go. I’m looking again at the issues, and sadly, there has been little change in most of the problem areas of the world. Even more concerning, the change in the political atmosphere in the U.S. has made travel here less safe and comfortable in many ways.
Read more . . .

These are scary times as both women and men continue to come forward alleging serious sexual harassment incidents, many involving well-known celebrities. While all of this is at the forefront of the news and popular concern, a huge number of ordinary, everyday people suffer a wide range of harassment events, and we just don’t hear about them.

We allow so many frightening issues to remain hidden in dark shadows – violent events that cause injury in ways that can never be remedied. I’m thinking of domestic abuse – incidents that go far beyond sexual harassment of individuals in a social or business encounter. When violence becomes part of an intimate relationship, the result is often very serious lifelong physical or mental damage, and sometimes death.
Read more . . .