Arnold, LaRochelle, Mathews, VanConas & Zirbel, LLPArnold, LaRochelle, Mathews, VanConas & Zirbel, LLP2026-05-12T16:10:42Zhttps://www.atozlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504775/2025/12/cropped-favicon-atoz512-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[5 life events that signal it is time to update your estate plan]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=467842026-05-12T16:10:42Z2026-05-12T16:10:42ZMarriage or divorce
California is a community property state. This means spouses have equal ownership interests in assets acquired during marriage. However, exceptions may exist for inheritances and gifts received by one spouse. After marriage, you may want to update a will, trust and beneficiary list to include a new spouse.
In the case of divorce, you might not want your ex-spouse to receive assets or serve as executor. California law automatically revokes gift provisions to ex-spouses upon a final divorce. However, you may need to manually update trusts and life insurance policies for clear distribution.
Birth or adoption of children
Reviewing estate planning documents can help account for a growing family and new dependents. California law allows parents to name guardians in a will, helping ensure a trusted person can care for minor children if needed. Families may also consider establishing trusts to manage assets for children until they reach a certain age.
Significant changes in assets
Major financial changes can also affect estate distribution decisions. This may include:
Acquiring substantial assets
Experiencing significant financial losses
Receiving an inheritance
Consider incorporating major purchases like real estate, business ownership changes or inheritances into your plan. Beyond the overall estate value, these changes can also affect tax obligations and how assets pass to beneficiaries.
Death of a beneficiary or executor
The death of someone named in an estate plan creates gaps that require attention. Beneficiaries, executors, trustees and guardians all play crucial roles in carrying out final wishes. If there is no successor, the court will name a representative based on a statutory order of priority.
Changes in health status
A serious illness or disability diagnosis often requires prompt estate planning decisions. In these situations, you may need to review advance healthcare directives.
To avoid conflict, confirm that the individuals named to make medical and financial decisions remain appropriate. Changes in health may also affect how assets are managed for ongoing care and financial support.
Maintaining an updated estate plan
Life changes are inevitable, and an estate plan should evolve alongside them. If you have experienced any of these major life changes, consider reviewing your estate plan. Regular reviews can help prevent conflict when your family needs it most.]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[AB 1482 rent control and just cause eviction laws: Ventura guide]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=467252026-04-22T04:07:52Z2026-03-05T13:36:06ZNavigating rent rules in Ventura can feel like a maze, especially with state laws layered on top of local regulations. AB 1482 sets clear limits on rent increases and eviction reasons, creating protections for tenants while establishing expectations for landlords. By learning how these rules work, you can manage your lease or property with confidence while avoiding costly surprises.
Keeping rent predictable
AB 1482 limits annual rent hikes to 5% plus inflation or 10% total, whichever is lower. This rule covers most apartments built over 15 years ago, though single-family homes owned by individuals may be exempt if proper notices are given.Understanding these limits gives tenants a sense of financial predictability and helps landlords plan stable rental income. Tracking allowable increases carefully can prevent disputes and ensure both parties stay on the same page. With rent changes clearly defined, it becomes easier to see how just cause eviction rules come into play.
Eviction reasons you need to know
Once you have lived in a covered unit for 12 months, your landlord must provide a legal reason to end the lease. Common reasons include lease violations, missed rent payments or the landlord moving in. Even no-fault evictions, such as removing the unit from rental use, require paying relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent. Knowing the reasons landlords may use for eviction helps you understand your rights and the protections AB 1482 offers. Legal guidance can ensure notices meet state requirements and that your position is preserved.Some of the most frequent eviction reasons include:
Failing to pay rent on time can create grounds for eviction
Causing damage beyond normal wear and tear may justify ending the lease
Disrupting neighbors or violating lease terms can trigger eviction notices
Owner moving in or selling the property may require relocation payment
Removing the unit from rental use involves proper notice and payment
Recognizing these common scenarios can reduce conflict and make it easier for both landlords and tenants to navigate changes responsibly.
Protecting your home and rights
Following AB 1482 rules closely helps prevent unexpected problems and creates clarity for both landlords and tenants. Paying attention to rent increases, lease terms and eviction notices builds a record that supports your position if disagreements arise. By staying informed and proactive, you can handle your housing or property management decisions with confidence and peace of mind.]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[3 costly legal mistakes startups make in their first year]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=467242026-04-22T04:08:46Z2026-03-04T08:14:56ZFailing to protect intellectual property early
If ownership of your work is not in the company’s name, you do not fully control your own product. Founders, developers and contractors must sign written agreements that assign what they create to the company.
Without that paperwork, the person who built the code or designed the branding may still legally own it. That becomes a problem when investors start asking questions or when someone leaves and claims rights. The fix is simple: use written intellectual property assignment agreements from day one and keep them signed and stored.
Misclassifying workers and ignoring employment laws
Calling someone a contractor does not make them one under California law. The ABC test under AB 5 sets strict rules. Many startup roles do not qualify as independent contractors if the work supports the core business. Getting this wrong can mean back pay, penalties and tax issues. Before labeling someone a contractor, look at what they actually do and whether it fits the law, not just what feels convenient.
Operating without proper contracts and agreements
Handshake deals and online templates rarely hold up when money and control are involved. If you do not clearly define founder ownership, decision rights and exit terms in writing, disputes become harder and more expensive to resolve. The same goes for vendor and employee agreements. Clear contracts do not slow you down; they prevent fights later.
Get it right before it costs you
None of these issues feels urgent until they are. Taking time early to clean up ownership, classification and agreements saves far more time and money later. If something feels unclear, get guidance from a business attorney and fix it before it grows. A gentle reminder that solid structure makes growth easier.]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[5 key differences in California probate and trust administration]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=466312026-04-22T08:09:06Z2025-12-17T09:56:27ZYou have spent years building your savings and purchasing a home in California. Now that you're planning your estate, you want to make sure your loved ones receive your assets without unnecessary stress or delays.
But as you explore your options, you find yourself torn between two paths: probate or trust administration. Each has its own benefits, and choosing the wrong one could cost your family time, money and privacy. Thus, understanding the differences between these two approaches can help you make the best decision for your situation.
What you need to know about probate administration
Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing your assets after you pass away. In California, courts oversee everything from validating your will to paying debts and transferring property. Many people use probate when they have straightforward estates or haven't set up a trust. This process offers court oversight, which can protect beneficiaries from disputes. That said, probate is not your only option. If you want to avoid court involvement, trust administration offers a different approach.
Understanding trust administration
Unlike probate, trust administration usually manages your assets outside of court. When you create a living trust, you transfer ownership of your property to the trust during your lifetime. Then, after you pass, your chosen trustee distributes your assets according to your instructions. Because of this flexibility and efficiency, many families usually prefer trusts over probate. So how do these two options really compare? Let's break down the key differences.
5 key differences to consider
Both probate and trust administration have unique features that affect your estate and loved ones. By understanding these differences, you can decide which path fits your situation best.Here are five key areas where these approaches differ:
Court involvement: Probate requires a judge to oversee the entire process. In contrast, trust administration allows your trustee to act without court approval.
Privacy: Probate filings become public records that anyone can access. On the other hand, trust documents stay private and protect your family's information.
Timeline: Probate typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete or longer if there are complex disputes involved. Meanwhile, trust administration often wraps up within weeks or just within a few months.
Cost: Probate involves court fees and statutory attorney costs that add up quickly. Because trust administration skips the court system, it usually costs less.
Process: Probate follows strict legal steps set by California law. In comparison, trust administration offers more flexibility in how and when assets transfer.
Now that you see how these options stack up, you can start thinking about which one aligns with your goals best.
Choosing what works best for you
Ultimately, every family's situation is different. The right choice depends on the size of your estate, your privacy concerns and how quickly you want your loved ones to receive their inheritance. What works well for one family may not be the best fit for yours.This is where professional guidance makes a difference. An experienced estate planning attorney can review your assets, answer your questions and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. They can also identify issues you may not have considered, such as tax implications or how to handle complex property. With the right support, you can create a plan that protects your loved ones and honors your wishes.]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[A to Z Law Associate Joshua Smith quoted in Pacific Coast Business Times]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=461482025-11-25T13:42:06Z2021-05-21T06:01:04Zcontact A to Z Law for a copy.]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[The “For 99.5 Percent Act”]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=461512025-11-25T13:42:12Z2021-04-23T05:00:00Z
Thanks to the global pandemic and concerns about voting integrity surrounding the 2020 election, the federal gift & estate tax did not get as much publicity as it typically does during a presidential election. Politician and pundits will usually parade the so-called “death tax” during campaign season, but unless you were on the look-out for it, you probably didn’t hear much about it during this last election.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t on the legislative radar. In late March, senators Bernie Sanders and Sheldon Whitehouse, both democrats from Vermont and Rhode Island, respectively, introduced the “For The 99.5% Act.” The Act proposes significant changes to the current gift and estate tax transfer system.
If enacted as introduced, the changes would be sweeping. Currently, donors can transfer $11.7 million of wealth, during lifetime and at death combined, before any transfer tax is imposed. This exemption applies individually, so wealthy couples avoid tax for up to $24 million of assets gifted away.
The Act would reduce the exemption for gifts made at death to $3.5 million (or $7 million for a married couple), and to $1 million (or $2 million for a married couple) for lifetime gifts. Also proposed are changes to the tax rates, and to the annual gift tax exclusion.
With the closely divided Senate, passage of the Act is impossible to predict at this stage, but there is momentum for changes to the gift & estate taxes. The very wealthy will also still be allowed the opportunity to take advantage of sophisticated estate planning techniques to avoid exposure of their assets to the transfer tax system, so it is uncertain how beneficial these proposal would be for “The 99.5%.”]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[A New Lawyer’s Reflections on the Practice of Law During COVID]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=461502025-11-25T13:42:19Z2021-04-16T05:00:00Z
March 2020 marked the start of my second year practicing law here in Ventura County. It was also the start of COVID-19 – that “thing” that has unapologetically turned all of our lives upside down, on their heads, and buried them in endless Netflix and Amazon Prime streams. To say that my first year or so practicing law here has been “eventful” may be an understatement, but probably not in the typical first-year of practice sense.
For the most part, my limited time practicing in this County hasn’t provided too many chances to introduce myself to our local legal community. This is partly because most of my legal work at A to Z Law is focused on our firm’s public law and land use practice, and thus, most of my work-related interactions are with our local agencies’ staff, private clients, and various city and county planners. This is also partly due to the fact that nearly a third of my legal career has now been under the auspices of social distancing, Zoom calls, and working from home.
I made one court appearance in that first year of practice before the pandemic. You could say it was educational and informative, but it would be better to say it was anxiety-ridden, nerve racking, and stress inducing. It went by so fast that nearly nine months later, all I remember from the hearing is the hour I spent in front of the mirror at home beforehand, reciting my legal arguments to the cat, who may or may not have been more receptive to my theory of the case than the presiding judge. In hindsight, it’s still a toss up. I also attended a handful of VCTLA CLEs, a few Barrister events, one VCBA Installation Dinner (featuring renowned comic Tom Papa!), and volunteered at the County’s Mock Trial event (where I realized that this county is armed to the teeth with fifteen and sixteen year olds who are way more qualified to practice law than yours truly).
The point is, after a year and a half of practicing in this County, I still haven’t had the pleasure of meeting most of you. Nonetheless, with things being as they are, I feel extremely fortunate to be practicing amongst you all. Ventura County is an amazing place. It offers a quality of life that is unrivaled by any other region of Southern California (trust me, I know, I lived in the other ones). It has miles of beaches, countless surf breaks (with free parking!), a plethora of hiking trails, bike paths, and camp sites, endless sunsets, and beautiful star-filled night skies. But most importantly, it has the sort of legal community that is welcoming to a new, young attorney.
I truly look forward to developing and growing my legal practice here in Ventura County, and as things get back to normal (whatever that might be), I hope that we all have more opportunities to get to know one another in the near future. However, until that time comes, I’d like to offer a simple thank you to all those in our legal community for creating a warm, welcoming and inviting place for a new guy like me to call home.]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[A to Z Law Partner Kendall VanConas to Join Panel at Estate Planning Seminar Aug. 9 in Ventura]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=461532025-11-25T13:42:22Z2019-07-18T05:00:00Zwww.nbi-sems.com.]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[A to Z Law Welcomes New Environmental Law Associate Joshua Smith]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=461572025-11-25T13:42:32Z2019-04-20T05:00:00Z
Joshua S. Smith, a Public Interest Scholar for Loyola Law School’s Class of 2018, has a wealth of professional experience in ecological restoration, conservation, and resource management, and he looks forward to practicing environmental law.
A native of Southern California’s Inland Empire, Joshua was born in Fontana and raised in Chino. He double-majored in Politics and Environmental Studies at UC Santa Cruz, focusing on environmental policy and ecology. He has worked in resource conservation and ecological restoration with Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership in Maui and as a field technician for Audubon California, helping restore local coastal sage scrub habitat while he prepared for law school.
At Loyola Law School, Joshua was a Co-Chair of the Public Interest Law Foundation, Co-President of the Environmental Law Society, and he participated in the Jeffery G. Miller National Environmental Moot Court Competition where his team earned Best Business Brief and finished as quarter-finalists. He was awarded the Ami Silverman Award in 2016 and received the Gerald T. McLauglin Scholarship in 2017. During law school, Joshua was a law clerk for Earthjustice, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, and Legal Aid Foundation Los Angeles. He also was a summer legal intern for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.]]>On Behalf of Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP<![CDATA[Kendall VanConas to Speak at Probate Seminar Jan. 28-29, 2019]]>https://www.atozlaw.com/?p=461552025-11-25T13:42:35Z2018-12-21T06:00:00Zhere for more information and to register.]]>