In California, one co-owner generally cannot permanently prevent the sale of jointly owned property. When co-owners disagree about whether to sell, refinance, or keep a property, California law provides a legal process called a partition action that allows the dispute to be resolved in court. These disputes commonly arise among family members,...
What Counts as Undue Influence in an Estate Plan?
Undue influence occurs when someone pressures or manipulates another person into changing a will, trust, or estate plan in a way that does not reflect their true wishes. In California, courts consider whether the person creating the estate plan was vulnerable, dependent on others, or isolated from family and trusted advisors....
Can You Sue a Manufacturer for a Product That Caused a Fire?
Yes, you can sue a manufacturer in California if a defective product caused a fire. Under product liability law, manufacturers and others in the supply chain may be held responsible when a product is unsafe due to a design defect, manufacturing flaw, or failure to warn. These claims often involve complex investigations,...
What Are the Duties of a Successor Trustee?
A successor trustee is responsible for managing and distributing trust assets after the original trustee can no longer serve, often due to death or incapacity. In California, this role includes handling finances, paying debts, communicating with beneficiaries, and carrying out the instructions in the trust document. A successor trustee must act in...
What to Do if Title Defects Are Discovered After Purchase
If title defects are discovered after purchasing property in California, the buyer may have several options depending on the nature of the issue. Title defects can include undisclosed liens, ownership disputes, recording errors, or easements that affect property use. In many cases, buyers can seek resolution through title insurance claims, negotiation with...
Is a Verbal Agreement for a Home Renovation Legally Binding?
A verbal agreement for a home renovation can be legally binding in California, but it is often difficult to enforce. For a contract to be valid, there must be an offer, acceptance, and mutual agreement on key terms. While oral agreements may meet these requirements, disputes frequently arise over what was...
What Is an Encroachment and How Do You Resolve It?
An encroachment occurs when a structure or improvement extends onto another person’s property without permission. Common examples include fences, driveways, walls, or landscaping that cross property lines. In California, encroachments can lead to disputes over ownership, access, and property use. Resolving an encroachment depends on the severity of the issue, how...
How to Get Emergency Power of Attorney
You cannot obtain an emergency power of attorney after someone has already become mentally incapacitated. A power of attorney must be signed while the person still has legal capacity. If incapacity has already occurred, the only way to gain decision-making authority is through a court-ordered temporary guardianship or conservatorship. Knowing which...
What Happens If a Real Estate Buyer Backs Out After Signing the Contract?
If a real estate buyer backs out after signing a purchase contract, the consequences depend on the contract terms, timing, and reason for withdrawal. In California, buyers may be allowed to cancel without penalty during certain contingency periods, such as inspections or financing. Outside those protections, backing out can expose the...
How Long Does a Quiet Title Take in San Jose?
In California, a quiet title action typically takes between eight and twelve months to complete, though complex cases involving unknown defendants or multiple liens can take longer. The timeline for a quiet title depends mainly on the speed of the San Jose court schedule, the complexity of the title defects, and...