How much do lawyers cost? Well that’s a loaded question that no lawyer wants to answer. And yet, every client and potential client wants to know—“what’s this gonna cost me?” Well as a lawyer I have no desire to discuss this on a blog post put out into the public realm. Or if I do
"trust administration"
Being a Beneficiary Can Cost You: How the “American Rule” for attorneys’ fees can feel Un-American.
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Posted in Probate Court Litigation
Beneficiaries have all the legal rights, and none of the legal obligations, when it comes to California Trusts and Wills. But beneficiaries, at times, have one very practical obligation—paying to enforce their rights.
For beneficiaries of California Trusts, it’s every beneficiary for him or herself. That means there is no governmental oversight of Trustees until…
The Tricky Tightrope of Trust Administration–How Should a California Trust be Administered?
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Posted in Trust Administration
To hear estate planning attorneys talk, you would think a revocable, living trust cures all ills. And yet, so many trust cases find their way to Court—the one place the settlor hoped to avoid by making a Trust in the first place.
While all Trusts can potentially wind up in Court—that venue should be avoided. …
Troubled Trust Administrations: How to navigate the sometimes dangerous waters of California Trust Administration
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Posted in Trust Administration
We spend a good deal of time and effort discussing the mistakes Trustee’s make in administering California Trust’s. From bad management, to problems investing assets, to misinformed or even bad Trustees. But not all the blame for ugly Trust administrations lies with Trustees. Beneficiaries can cause their share of problems too.
That’s what I call…
Tales of the two-headed Trustee: How Co-Trustees can create a horror show for Trust administration.
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Posted in Trust Creation
Just in time for Halloween, the creation of the two-headed Trustee. They say two heads are better than one. So why not have two Trustees manage your Trust estate, or better yet a two-headed Trustee.
There can be strength in numbers. And many Trusts are administered with skill and grace with two Trustees at the…
Simon says, “California Trustees: Follow the Trust Terms”
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Posted in Trust Administration
Shouldn’t Trust administration be like a game of Simon says? That’s the old school yard game where one person gives an instruction, but you’re only supposed to follow the instruction if it is preceded by the phrase, “Simon says.” For example, Simon says, “Touch your nose.” Simon says, “Touch your toes.” Simon says, “Make proper…