Probate – What It Is and How It Works

Article, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning

Probate – What It Is and How It Works What is Probate? Probate is a necessary court mandated legal process that takes place after someone dies (with a Will) or intestate (without a Will). In California if the value of the estate is in excess of $166,250, then a...

Dangerous Condition of Public Property Analysis

Article, Civil Litigation

Dangerous Condition of Public Property Analysis What is the definition of “dangerous property” in a legal context? If you represent a public entity, how do you advise them of the myriad of factors that must be analyzed? Here we discuss four main...

Let’s Plan for Our Pets

Article

    The members of McDowall Cotter are animal lovers and most of us are pet owners, so we take the care of pets seriously. We know that many of you in San Mateo County, Santa Clara County and throughout California are devoted pet owners. Whether the pet is a parrot, a...

Proposed Pull-Back From Proposition 13

Article, Estate Planning

Proposed Pull-Back From Proposition 13 Proposition 15 – The Split Roll Initiative  In addition to Proposition 19, which seeks to place significant limitation on the Parent-to-Child reassessment exclusion for property taxes in California, owners and renters of...

Essential Functions of Being a Trust Protector

Article, Estate Planning

Essential Functions of Being a Trust Protector A Trust protector is an independent third party, who does not benefit from changes they make to the Trust. They may be an individual, such as a trusted family member or friend; or they can be a corporate fiduciary.  Trust...