Blog

Jun 10, 2026

Estate planning gets easier when you have a picture in your head. So here’s the one I use with clients: think of a revocable living trust as a car. Once you can see the four pieces — the car, the cargo, the map, and the driver — most of the confusion falls away. The Car The car is the revocable living trust itself. It’s the legal structure you’ve chosen — the vehicle that holds everything...

Special Needs Trusts in California

Jun 5, 2026

If someone you know has a disability and receives needs-based public benefits, they may need a Special Needs Trust (SNT) to protect those benefits. In California, these benefits include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), non-California Medicaid, Medi-Cal (if linked to SSI), and certain government housing programs such as public housing and Section 8 vouchers. There are two main types of Special Needs Trusts: Third Party SNTs and First Party SNTs. A Third Party SNT is set...

Conservatorships in California

May 14, 2026

Conservatorships help families protect loved ones who can’t manage their own personal or financial affairs. At Chaney Counsel, our Los Angeles County lawyers guide clients through every step. We know these cases are complex and emotionally charged. A conservatorship lets a trusted person or organization make key decisions for someone in need. The process involves detailed paperwork and court appearances, which can be daunting. We help clients set up conservatorships for elderly parents, family members...

Los Angeles Estate Planning Lawyer

May 14, 2026

At Chaney Counsel, we offer estate planning services to help you protect your wealth and create a legacy for your loved ones in Los Angeles County. Our estate planning lawyers draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We tailor every plan to your needs. Whether you want to preserve family assets, reduce taxes, or ensure a smooth inheritance, we guide you at every step. Estate planning can feel complicated. We offer clear, personalized...

Estate Administration in Southern California

Mar 3, 2026

Estate administration can be a challenging process, particularly when managing the legal and financial responsibilities associated with a loved one’s estate in Los Angeles and Ventura County. At Chaney Counsel, our experienced lawyers are committed to guiding you through every step, from gathering and valuing assets to distributing inheritances in accordance with the decedent’s wishes. We focus on personalized service, helping ensure compliance with local laws and reducing the potential for costly disputes. By addressing...

Why a Will Alone Is Often Not Enough

Dec 31, 2025

Common Estate Planning Misunderstandings Families Face Many people assume that once they have a will, their estate planning is complete. While a will is an important legal document, it is often only one part of an effective estate plan. Families are frequently surprised to learn that a will alone may still lead to delays, court involvement, and added stress for loved ones. Understanding the limits of a will can help families plan more intentionally. What...

Estate Planning Isn’t About Death — It’s About Control, Clarity, and Care

Dec 18, 2025

When most people hear the words estate planning, they think of death, worst-case scenarios, or something they’ll “get to later.” That mindset alone keeps many families from putting even a basic plan in place. But estate planning isn’t really about death. It’s about control, clarity, and care, especially while you’re alive. Control: Keeping Decisions in Your Hands Without an estate plan, California law decides: Who manages your finances if you’re incapacitated Who makes medical decisions for...

Do I Really Need a Trust? The Three Types of Californians Who Benefit Most

Nov 19, 2025

Many Californians believe trusts are only for the wealthy. In reality, a Revocable Living Trust is one of the most important planning tools available, especially in California, where probate is expensive, time-consuming, and public. Below are the three groups who benefit most from having a trust. 1. California Homeowners Under Probate Code §13100, estates exceeding $184,500 may require probate. Because most California homes exceed that amount, even modest homeowners risk their estate going through probate...