socialspice20, Author at Lowthorp Richards

Your Will – And Other Important Estate Planning Documents

May 29, 2018 by socialspice20

The Importance of Having a Living Trust in California

Your will is an important document that can ensure that your property will make it into the right hands once you pass away. Without a will, your property is at risk of being divided according to California’s rules of interstate succession. While these rules will mean that your property will be passed down, it is … Read moreYour Will – And Other Important Estate Planning Documents

Can I Sue if My Insurance Company Acts in Bad Faith?

April 14, 2018 by socialspice20

Courtroom, Judge, male judge in black mirror background

Do you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith? Remember that your policy is paid-for and as such, your insurance company upholds a promise to provide you insurance protection. The company further is responsible for negotiating and settling claims in good faith. If you believe that an insurance company isn’t negotiating in good … Read moreCan I Sue if My Insurance Company Acts in Bad Faith?

Common Personal Injury Claims

March 15, 2018 by socialspice20

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you could be compensated for injuries sustained in the accident. There are all types of accidents and injuries that could be a part of a personal injury claim and can cause people confusion. Here are a few common personal injury claims that could be filed, how liability will … Read moreCommon Personal Injury Claims

Who Gets the Dog in a Divorce in California?

February 15, 2018 by socialspice20

During divorce proceedings, the division of property is a common procedure most couples must go through. However, some divorcing couples can’t seem to see eye-to-eye on who gets the dog after the divorce. Dogs are often considered important members of the family and who the dog goes to may be very important to divorcing spouses. … Read moreWho Gets the Dog in a Divorce in California?

Common Reasons for Insurance Claim Denials

January 14, 2018 by socialspice20

When you’re in an automobile accident, the last thing you want to deal with is a stubborn insurance company that refuses to help with your auto and medical costs. Sometimes claims can legally be denied due to valid reasons. In other cases, the insurer may not be fair in their denial of your claim. Before … Read moreCommon Reasons for Insurance Claim Denials

Can I Make Sure My Assets Are Not Distributed Through the Probate Process?

November 28, 2017 by socialspice20

The probate process involves the court distributing a person’s assets upon death. It usually occurs in situations where a person does not have a will. However, just because a person has a will does not mean that their assets will definitely not be distributed through the probate process. What to Do to Prevent Your Assets … Read moreCan I Make Sure My Assets Are Not Distributed Through the Probate Process?

When Is a No Contest Clause Ineffective in Probate Court?

November 3, 2017 by socialspice20

The California Court of Appeal just handed down an opinion very strictly limiting the application of a no contest clause contained within trust to later trust amendments.

Peggy was battling cancer for 5 years, during which time her friends, Tracy and David, became the exclusive suppliers of medical cannabis upon which Peggy depended for treatment. Anticipating her demise, Peggy placed Tracy in custody of all of her estate planning documents. Soon after, Peggy complained that Tracy read the documents and confronted her about the disposition of her estate. Shortly after, Peggy executed a trust amendment created in secret, and without advice or assistance of her longtime estate planning attorney, leaving all of her money to Tracy – to the exclusion of Peggy’s brother and godchildren, natural objects of her bounty, and beneficiaries under the estate plan in existence when placed in Tracy’s custody. After Peggy’s demise, Tracy produced the trust amendment, and the beneficiaries went straight to court.

Water Company Ordered to Pay Ojai Playhouse Damages

August 1, 2017 by socialspice20

In 2014, the historic Ojai Playhouse movie theater suffered damage after a water main break caused a flood. Now, a judge has ordered the former water purveyor of the town to pay the establishment $2.7 million worth of damages.

Golden State Water Co. once managed the water system for Ojai. The company was ordered to pay brothers Khaled Al-Awar and Walid Al-Awar, the owners of the playhouse, almost $2 million for repairs made after the theater was severely damaged, which was ordered by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Vincent O’Neill on July 19, 2017.

Personal Injuries During the Summertime

July 30, 2017 by socialspice20

Summertime is definitely a fun time for everyone. But with the added fun comes dangerous situations. Swimming, hiking and bike riding are just a few of the activities that we love to participate in during the summer, but certainly, there are many more things that we enjoy doing outside in the summertime.

Unfortunately, just one incident is all it takes to turn our world upside down. And when we suffer personal injuries, it can be difficult to recover.

Prince’s Estate Planning Issues

June 30, 2017 by socialspice20

The legendary rivalry between superstars Prince and Michael Jackson apparently extends beyond the grave in terms of whose estate is more difficult to navigate. While Michael Jackson had a valid will when he died, controversy surrounded the appointment of an executor, and there remains an ongoing battle between the Jackson family and government agencies regarding the actual value of the estate. Meanwhile, Prince, notoriously shrewd in business and control of his art and image, didn’t even leave a will. Having died unmarried with no children (despite the numerous claims of a variety of pretenders to his throne), his statutory heirs comprise of siblings and half-siblings, and up to half of his estate will be paid to state and federal tax agencies. Of course, the federal government and state of Minnesota are claiming the Purple One’s holdings are worth much more than the heirs claim, meaning his tax bill will be greater as well. Moreover, the famous vault of unreleased material might double the value of his estate. Had Prince done some basic estate planning, he could have selected specific beneficiaries and avoid probate altogether.