Law Office of Gregory I. Becker

Law Office of Gregory I. Becker Mr. Becker is a Probate and Estate Lawyer. His firm prepares Wills & Trusts, handles court supervised probate matters and administers Living Trusts.

Probate is a court-supervised process for transferring a deceased person's assets to the beneficiaries listed in his or her will. It is a common process for those that do not establish a Living Trust. Probate is generally expensive, time consuming and is not private. Lawyer's fees and Executor's commissions are based on a statutory fee schedule. A probate may cost more than the management and dist

ribution of a comparable estate under a living trust. Time can be a factor as well. Probate proceedings generally take much longer than the administration of a living trust. Probates are public. Your estate plan and the value of your assets will become public record. Estate planning involves assets and various forms of ownership & titling of those assets. There are many issues to consider when planning an estate including: how assets will be managed, when certain assets will be transferred to others, and to whom those assets will pass. In the case of families with minor children estate planning addresses more than the handling of assets as the needs of the minors take precedence. Often times, through the establishment of a living trust, the downsides of probate can be avoided and a long-term plan for the family can be put into place. CA Bar # 183059

06/08/2026

Most parents create their estate plan when their children are young, but life doesn’t stop there.

One issue I see from time to time is families who establish a living trust and then have additional children without updating their documents. While the law may provide some protections, it’s always better to make sure every child is clearly accounted for in your estate plan.

If your family has grown since you created your trust, it may be time for a review.

Questions about updating your estate plan? Comment below or send us a DM.

06/05/2026

Your child may be heading off to college, but once they turn 18, parents no longer automatically have the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf.

Powers of attorney for finances and healthcare can allow trusted family members to step in if a student becomes unable to manage their own affairs. Without these documents, families may face costly and time-consuming court proceedings during an already difficult situation.

Questions about estate planning or powers of attorney for young adults? Comment below or send us a DM.

06/03/2026

Step-up in basis can be an important tax benefit when a family home or other real estate is held until death.

Instead of trying to calculate decades of repairs, improvements, and adjusted cost basis, the property’s basis may be adjusted to fair market value as of the date of death.

That can make a major difference for families when inherited property is eventually sold.

06/01/2026

A quick update on the Small Estates Recovery amount. For deaths after April 1, 2026 that number is $239,700.

05/28/2026

In estate planning, COLA stands for cost of living adjustment, which can help a monthly gift keep pace with inflation over time.

In wine, COLA means something completely different: Certificate of Label Approval through the Alcohol and To***co Tax and Trade Bureau.

And right now, Greg is working on one for the Beckerschild Wines 2024 Octogenarian, a gorgeous Zinfandel from Creston Hills Vineyards in Paso Robles.

Estate planning questions? DM us to ask about a free initial consultation.

05/26/2026

Not every estate requires a full probate. In California, some smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures, including a small estate affidavit under Probate Code 13100.

When it works, heirs may be able to collect certain assets without opening a full probate case.

But if the institution holding the asset refuses, court involvement may still be needed.

05/19/2026

A small life insurance policy with no beneficiary shouldn’t always require a full probate in California. In some cases, a properly prepared affidavit and the right Probate Code sections can help resolve the issue without opening a formal probate.

And if an insurance company unreasonably requires probate? The court may have something to say about that.

Have questions about probate, trust administration, or estate planning? Comment below or DM us.

05/15/2026

One major reason families keep the family residence in trust until a parent passes is the potential step-up in basis.

That step-up may allow the surviving spouse or children to sell the home with little to no capital gains tax, depending on the situation.

It’s one of the reasons proper estate planning can make such a big difference.
Comment or DM us if you have questions about your family’s estate plan.

05/13/2026

Joint tenancy may seem like a simple estate planning shortcut, but it can create bigger issues later — from tax consequences to creditor risks to probate court involvement if someone becomes incapacitated or passes away without a proper plan.

It can work in some situations, but it is not always the protection families think it is.

Have questions about how your assets are titled? Comment below or DM us.

05/11/2026

Investment properties can come with risks that go far beyond the property itself.

In estate planning meetings, Greg often discusses whether a limited liability company may help protect a family’s other assets from catastrophic claims connected to an investment property.

Proper planning is not just about passing assets down — it is also about protecting what you have built.

Comment or DM us for more information on this topic.

Address

1711 Via El Prado Suite 103-B
Redondo Beach, CA
90277

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13105431126

Website

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