Helping California Families With Their Estate Needs
Estate Planning
We create and update estate plans that protect our clients’ futures.
Estate Administration
We guide families through the administration of trusts and other assets.
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Build A Plan That
Works For You
Anyone with assets can benefit from an estate plan. We offer options for people from all walks of life. Estate planning can save your loved ones from making difficult decisions after you pass away or if you become unable to make your own decisions. It can also ensure that your wishes for both your assets and your care will be met.
At The Dayton Law Firm, P.C., our team of San Jose estate planning attorneys is compassionate to families and individuals. We aim to help answer questions about your long-term planning options. We help with a variety of estate needs, including:
- Wills and trusts
- Retirement planning
- Probate
- Asset protection
- Trust administration
Why Choose Us?
We focus on our clients. While some firms seek the highest-value cases with disregard for the clients’ needs, we focus solely on what techniques are going to help you most.
Competitive Pricing
We strive to keep our hourly and flat fees accessible to as many families as possible.
Experience
We use our knowledge from planning and administering estates to achieve efficient legal solutions with a process proven to work.
Personalized Legal Work
By blending industry standards with custom in-house templates, we can advise and customize your plan to include your wishes to make sure it works how you want.
Free Consultations
We offer initial consultations at no charge so we can evaluate your legal needs before you ever receive a bill. Please call us at 408-758-5750 or email us to schedule an appointment.
Our firm is located in San Jose and serves the entire Bay Area. We also serve clients throughout California.
latest articles
Our Recent Blogs
- December 6, 2023
When creating a last will and testament in California, individuals often include provisions to ensure their wishes are carried out after their passing. One such provision is the “no-contest clause,” also known as an “in terrorem clause.” This legal tool aims to discourage beneficiaries from challenging the validity of the will or disputing its terms. In this article, we will explore what a no-contest clause is, how it works, and when it may or may not be effective in California wills.
What Is a No-Contest Clause?
A no-contest clause is a specific provision within a will that imposes consequences on beneficiaries who challenge the validity of the will or attempt to dispute the terms outlined in the document. The primary purpose of this clause is to discourage beneficiaries from engaging in lengthy and costly legal battles that can disrupt the probate process and potentially diminish the estate’s assets.
How Does a No-Contest Clause Work?
The operation of a no-contest provision typically involves a two-step process. First, to trigger the provision, a beneficiary must initiate a legal action, such as contesting the will’s validity or disputing specific bequests or provisions within the will. It is crucial to note that not all challenges to a will trigger the clause, and California law sets clear guidelines for what constitutes a dispute.
If the court determines that a beneficiary’s challenge violates the clause, the consequences specified in the will come into effect. Common consequences may include the disinheritance of the contesting beneficiary, forfeiture of their bequest, or other penalties as defined in the will.
When Are No-Contest Clauses Effective in California Wills?
The effectiveness of no-contest clauses in California wills depends on various factors, including the state’s legal framework and the specific circumstances of each case. Here are some key considerations:
- Legal Validity: California law permits the inclusion of no-contest clauses in wills. However, for a clause to be valid and enforceable, it must comply with statutory requirements. This includes the necessity for clear and unambiguous language within the clause.
- Permissible Challenges: California law restricts the types of challenges that can trigger a no-contest provision. Acceptable challenges typically include allegations of fraud, forgery, undue influence, coercion, lack of capacity, or revocation of the will. Challenges based on objections to the distribution of assets or dissatisfaction with the terms alone are generally not sufficient to trigger the clause.
- Good Faith Challenges: California recognizes that there may be valid reasons to dispute a will, such as concerns over its authenticity or the circumstances surrounding its creation. Beneficiaries who bring forward challenges in good faith may be exempt from the provision’s penalties.
- Court Discretion: Ultimately, whether a provision will be enforced is at the discretion of the California probate court. The court will carefully review the circumstances of the challenge and determine whether it falls within the scope of the clause and if the beneficiary acted in good faith.
When No-Contest Clauses May Not Be Effective
No-contest clauses may not always achieve their intended purpose in California wills for two reasons. First, some beneficiaries may be hesitant to exercise their rights or voice concerns about the will’s validity or terms due to the fear of triggering a no-contest provision. This can lead to beneficiaries being reluctant to pursue legitimate claims.
Second, the interpretation of these clauses and their applicability can be complex. Courts often engage in intricate legal analysis to determine whether a challenge qualifies as a trigger for the clause, leading to potential disputes. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure your clause achieves your goals.
Professional Legal Counsel to Protect Your Estate
No-contest clauses in California wills serve as a means to deter beneficiaries from challenging the validity or terms of a will. However, their effectiveness depends on various factors, including compliance with state law, the nature of the challenge, and the court’s discretion. Anyone writing a will should seek legal advice when navigating the complexities of no-contest clauses to understand their rights and responsibilities fully.
At The Dayton Law Firm P.C., we can help you produce a will that meets California’s requirements and achieves your goals for your estate plan. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can assist you.
- November 15, 2023
Many people believe a solid estate plan consists of a will and possibly a trust. While that’s an excellent start, wills and trusts are far from the only tools available. A robust estate plan may include a variety of other legal documents to address issues like taxes and probate disputes.
1. Gift Deeds
When you produce an estate plan, you determine who you want to receive your assets. In certain cases, transferring property while you’re still alive may be better. That’s where a gift deed may be useful.
A gift deed is a formal document that transfers ownership of an asset to another person without “consideration,” or the receipt of something of value in exchange. While many assets can be gifted without a gift deed, these documents may be necessary for high-value gifts. The deed provides clear legal proof that you voluntarily gave away the asset and expect nothing in return. It protects the recipient from disputes and ensures that there’s no doubt about the property’s new ownership.
Gift deeds do have some downsides, of course. For example, giving away an asset you still need can put you at financial risk. Furthermore, the value of anything you give away through these deeds counts against your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption. As such, they are best used for assets of moderate worth but substantial emotional value you do not need for financial stability.
2. Transfer on Death Accounts
A Transfer on Death (TOD) account is designed to automatically transfer ownership of the assets it holds to named beneficiaries upon the owner’s passing. Until then, the beneficiaries have no rights or access to the assets. However, once the beneficiaries appropriately prove the owner has passed, they receive the assets without having them pass through probate.
The primary downside of a TOD account is that the assets are still part of the owner’s estate. While they are protected from probate, they are not protected from creditors. If you have any debts when you pass, those creditors can claim the assets in the account before the beneficiaries may receive them. As a result, these accounts sacrifice some of the protections offered by trusts in exchange for greater flexibility.
3. Nominations
When you buy certain financial instruments, such as life insurance, you are often asked whether you want to nominate a second holder. It’s a good idea to do so. Nomination ensures that someone you trust can immediately access your liquid and near-liquid funds when you are no longer available. However, unlike a TOD account, the nominee does not gain ownership. They simply have the right to use the funds according to your estate plan.
The primary goal of nomination is to ensure your loved ones can access the funds they need to cover your last expenses. Your nominee only needs to provide a copy of your death certificate to access the funds. In contrast, if you don’t nominate someone, your estate representative must navigate a significant amount of the probate process before accessing the funds. That can place an unnecessary financial burden on your loved ones. It’s best to name a nominee and avoid the problem entirely.
4. Asset-Liability Registers
An asset-liability register is also known by the simpler name of “estate inventory.” The purpose of a register is to collect information about all of your assets, accounts, and debts in one place. It saves your estate representative substantial time and effort before and during probate.
Your register does not directly grant anyone ownership of or access to your assets. However, a well-written inventory will help your representative track all the important accounts and allow them to log into your online portals as necessary. As a result, the probate process will take less time, and your beneficiaries will receive their inheritances more quickly.
Talk to an Expert About Build a More Robust Estate Plan
TOD accounts, nominations, gift deeds, and asset-liability registers are useful tools, but they must be used carefully to achieve your goals for your estate. You can talk to the experienced San Jose estate planning attorneys at The Dayton Law Firm P.C. to discuss the best ways to improve your plan. Schedule your consultation today to get started.
- November 13, 2023
When someone dies, many administrative tasks must be completed. You’re planning the funeral, taking responsibility for your loved one’s home and property, executing their will, and winding up any final concerns. If you’re responsible for handling your loved one’s estate, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and struggle to know where to start.
However, many of these tasks are routine parts of probate. You can work with a skilled estate administration attorney to help you navigate the probate process from start to finish. When you’re just starting, your attorney will guide you through the steps to begin probate and ensure you’re on the right path to fulfilling your loved one’s last wishes.
1. Find the Will
Before doing anything else, you should look for the decedent’s will. Ideally, they wrote a will and told multiple people where to find it, such as in a shared safety deposit box or a home safe. However, wills may be stored in surprising places, so if you’re unsure whether your loved one wrote a will, it’s worth respectfully searching their home.
2. Identify the Beneficiaries and Fiduciaries
If there is a will in place, read it carefully and note who it names as an heir or beneficiary. It may also list an executor, trustees, other fiduciaries, and guardians or conservators for dependents. You will need to contact all these people, sometimes multiple times, so it’s useful to create a list of names and contact information as soon as possible.
3. Send Notices of Death
You’ll need to notify everyone mentioned in the will about your loved one’s death. If there is no will, you must notify their immediate relatives, including children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and potential aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews.
Furthermore, you should notify other potential interested parties to prevent further financial interactions with their estate. These include:
- Their employer
- The DMV
- Social Security and Medicaid
- Insurance companies
- The Post Office
- Their landlord and utility providers
- Subscription companies
- Financial institutions
For these notices, you will likely need to provide a copy of their death certificate to confirm their passing.
4. Inventory the Estate
Probate is intended to ensure a decedent’s assets are distributed according to their last will or state inheritance law. However, before this can be done, you’ll need a list of all the assets and liabilities the decedent left behind.
Some well-organized people with strong estate plans will keep estate inventories in the same place as their wills. If this is not the case in your situation, you’ll need to create a list of:
- Bank accounts
- Stocks, bonds, and investments
- Life insurance policies
- Real property titles and deeds
- Corporate records
- Credit cards
- Unpaid medical debts
- Income or benefits statements
- Property and income taxes
- Utility bills
- Subscriptions
Building this list from scratch may be overwhelming if you have never probated an estate. If so, proceed to the next step.
5. Talk to an Estate Lawyer
You do not have to handle probate alone. In fact, it’s often better to get expert legal counsel. If you haven’t already done so, it’s worth making an appointment with a skilled estate administration attorney to discuss your concerns and the best way to proceed with the probate process. They can help you perform an estate inventory to ensure the proceedings go smoothly if necessary.
6. File a Petition to Open Probate and Attend the Hearing
With your attorney and a comprehensive asset-liability inventory on hand, you’re finally ready to open your probate case. Your attorney will ensure you submit the correct paperwork to begin the process.
The court will schedule a hearing to appoint an official estate representative. Once this occurs, you have officially begun the probate process, and you can start paying liabilities and distributing their remaining assets.
Get Help From Certified Estate Attorneys
Probate is complicated. If you’re responsible for a loved one’s estate, it’s worth talking to the experts. At The Dayton Law Firm, P.C., we have certified estate planning specialists on staff who are available to help you understand and navigate the probate process. Schedule your consultation today to learn how we can simplify your probate responsibilities and ensure your loved one’s last wishes are honored.