Partners Verlan Kwan and Lindsey Munyer have been recognized on the Daily Journal’s 2026 list of Top Estate and Wealth Management Lawyers. The list recognizes California attorneys who help individuals and families... Read more »
Partner Stefan O’Grady joined Probate Weekly, a long-running podcast hosted by Bill Gross covering the people and issues shaping California probate practice. In an episode titled “What Happens If You Get Estate... Read more »
In the National Business Institute (NBI) on-demand webinar, “Drafting a Simple Trust (With Bonus Clauses),” Partner Larry Osborn presented a session titled “Post-Drafting Tasks: What Happens After You Draft the Trust?” He examined... Read more »
A trustee generally has greater authority than a beneficiary to manage and control trust assets, but the two roles serve entirely different purposes. A trustee administers the trust and may have authority... Read more »
A holographic will — one that is handwritten and signed by the testator — does not need to be self-proving. Although a holographic will could theoretically include a self-proving affidavit, this is... Read more »
No. A no contest clause does not prevent a beneficiary from challenging a will or trust. It simply means that certain actions, such as bringing a direct contest, filing a creditor claim,... Read more »
Generally, no. Only parties with legal standing (i.e., those with a direct financial interest in a trust) have the right to sue a trustee. However, as the Malcolm-Jamal Warner trust dispute demonstrates,... Read more »
Chadwick Boseman’s estate was valued at approximately $3.8 million at the time of his death. After accounting for administrative expenses, probate costs, debts, taxes, and other obligations, the estate’s net value was... Read more »
Trust Matter Trustees Beneficiaries Counseling for Trustees The job of a trustee often requires making difficult decisions, such as selling trust property against beneficiaries’ wishes or investing trust assets. A trust attorney provides... Read more »
Determining whether to get involved in a trust dispute as a trustee is a complicated matter, so you should consult with a trust lawyer regarding your individual case. If the terms of... Read more »