PARENTS & HOMEOWNERS: MY 7-STEP ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS WILL PROTECT YOUR HEIRS

From Creditors, Predators & Bad Choices, And Will Help You Become a (Bigger) Hero to Your Family!

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Best Fit for Trust-Based Estate Planning Cases in California

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Feb 2, 2026

Learn when trust-based estate planning may be a good fit, when it may not, and what the planning process involves under California law at Ridley Law Offices.

How to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Feb 1, 2026

How to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial management that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. However, it’s a process fraught with potential pitfalls that can leave your loved ones in a difficult situation. In this guide, we’ll explore how to…

The Role of Wills in Estate Planning

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Feb 1, 2026

What is a Will and Why is it Important? A will is a legally binding document that outlines how you want your assets and responsibilities to be handled after your death. It serves as a roadmap for your loved ones, ensuring that your wishes are respected and carried out. At its core, a will is…

Credit Card Defense Secret Weapon

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Feb 1, 2026

“I Was Just Served By the Credit Card Lawyers!” It’s terrifying to watch the process server walk away from your front door, and stare at the brand-new summons and complaint in your now-shaking hands. You don’t know what to do, the language is cryptic at best, and you’re pissed. If the Plaintiff who put those…

How to Use Trusts for Tax Planning and Asset Protection

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jan 31, 2026

How to Use Trusts for Tax Planning and Asset Protection When it comes to preserving wealth and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, trusts can be an invaluable tool. Not only do they provide a way to safeguard your assets, but they also offer opportunities for tax planning and reduction. In…

Three Reasons Not to Do Your Will and Trust Online

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jan 31, 2026

I am an estate planning attorney, an executor of people’s estates, and a professional trustee, serving clients in Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, and Los Angeles County. Over the course of my career, I have seen hundreds of different estate-planning documents, including some from do-it-yourself online services, such as Nolo and LegalZoom. I appreciate that…

The Asset Protection Industrial Complex: Why Out-of-State LLCs Won’t Save You in California

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jan 31, 2026

The Asset Protection Industrial Complex: Why Out-of-State LLCs Won’t Save You California residents spend millions every year on asset protection schemes that provide about as much real protection as a screen door on a submarine. The most popular flavor? Out-of-state LLCs, particularly those formed in Wyoming, Nevada, and Delaware, sold with promises of ironclad charging…

Understanding the Role of a Probate Lawyer

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jan 31, 2026

Learn the role of a probate lawyer in estate planning, its importance, and how it protects your family’s assets and future.

How to File a Quitclaim Deed in California

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jan 30, 2026

When it comes to estate planning and property transfers, understanding the processes involved is essential. At the Law Office of Eric Ridley, I’m committed to helping individuals and families work through these legal matters with confidence and clarity.  If you’re looking to transfer property ownership in California using a quitclaim deed, let’s break it down…

10 Common Probate Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

By Estate Planning Attorney Eric Ridley | Jan 30, 2026

10 Common Probate Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Probate can be a daunting process, filled with legal jargon and complex procedures. Whether you’re an executor or an heir, navigating probate can be challenging. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten common probate pitfalls and how you can steer clear of them. By understanding these…

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