Author Archives: Skvarna Law

Inheritance: Don’t Let the State Decide

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No one likes the idea of the government stepping in to manage private affairs—especially when it comes to money and property. But without an estate plan, that’s exactly what can happen. If you pass away without the proper legal documents in place, your hard-earned assets could end up in state control through a process called […]

Inheritance for Education

Education Inheritance

How Estate Planning Can Support a Loved One’s Education One of the most powerful legacies you can leave is the opportunity for a loved one to pursue their education without the burden of overwhelming debt. Through thoughtful estate planning, you can contribute to a child or grandchild’s academic goals in a way that aligns with […]

Loved One’s Memory: How to Keep it Alive After They Pass

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The death of a loved one leaves behind more than grief—it leaves traces of their presence in the quiet corners of our lives. A jacket still holds their cologne. A favorite chair reminds us of where they once sat. The sound of a song, the smell of a flower, or even the sight of their […]

Dower Rights

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An Outdated Law That Still Disrupts Estate Planning Some laws seem so outdated they feel like trivia—such as the ban on tying a giraffe to a telephone pole or wearing a fake mustache in church. But not all outdated laws are harmless or forgotten. Dower rights, which date back to English common law, still actively […]

Estate Planning Retreat

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Is It Time for an Annual Estate Planning Retreat? In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to focus on long-term goals can feel nearly impossible. At Skvarna Law, we often see how easy it is to get caught up in day-to-day responsibilities while important priorities, like estate planning, get pushed aside. One way to stay on track […]

No Contest

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Four Ways to Prevent a Will or Trust Contest When families dispute a will or trust, emotions run high, relationships suffer, and financial legacies shrink. These legal battles often delay administration, waste resources, and overshadow your final wishes. Fortunately, thoughtful estate planning prevents many of these conflicts. In this blog, we discuss how to make […]

Unborn Child in An Estate Plan?

A woman hugs her man holding an x-ray of her unborn baby

Estate planning doesn’t just reflect what you have today—it anticipates what tomorrow might bring. For many in Glendora and Upland, this means preparing for the unexpected: incapacity, sudden illness, or death. For parents and parents-to-be, the question of whether to include future children in an estate plan often surfaces. Does planning for a child who […]

Family Estates: Even if Your Family Doesn’t Fight

Big Families and Family Estates

In many families, everyone gets along, happily gathering for the holidays, sharing laughs, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, years of pent-up resentment and hurt feelings surface. Then, the once-happy family faces litigation over the head of the family’s money and property. Here, we discuss family estates. […]

Life Estate Versus Right of Occupancy Trust

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Planning for the future complicates life. This is especially true if you want to make sure that a loved one continues living comfortably after you die. Two common tools for accomplishing this are life estates and right of occupancy trusts. A life estate grants someone the legal right to live in a home for the rest of their […]

AB Trusts—A Powerful Estate Planning Strategy for Married Couples

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Estate Planning Fundamentals: Why AB Trusts Matter Estate planning represents one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s future. While many people understand the basics of wills and simple trusts, specialized tools like AB Trusts often remain misunderstood despite their significant benefits. For married couples concerned about preserving assets for […]