Liza Horvath

California

Columnist at The Monterey County Herald

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montereyherald.com

Articles

Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Put the cabin into a purpose trust

1 week ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

A purpose trust is created for “something” rather than “someone.” Standard Digital $3 for 1 year Offer valid for non-subscribers only Originally Published: May 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM PDT
Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Should I carry a loan on sale of real estate?

2 weeks ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

A Notice of Proposed Action is used in trusts anytime you, as trustee, are doing anything “out of the ordinary” or that is not specifically directed in the trust document. It informs beneficiaries of what you are planning to do and gives them an opportunity to agree or object. Standard Digital $3 for 1 year Offer valid for non-subscribers only Originally Published: May 24, 2025 at 9:47 AM PDT
Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Carry out your mom’s intentions

3 weeks ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

Question: Before she died, she named me as her executor and part of my job is to set up trusts for an aunt and uncle. When they die, whatever is left comes to my brother and me. Problem is that my uncle has a drug problem and any money he gets is used to buy drugs. Also, the bank my mother named to run these trusts was bought and now bigger bank, is running their trust department. They don’t return my calls, and I have trouble dealing with them when they do.
Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: A herd of lunatics

1 month ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

When a family experiences the loss of a parent, the dynamics of a family can shift. It happens so often that I am surprised we don’t have an actual name for it, but I assure you that you are not alone in this experience. Originally Published: May 3, 2025 at 12:19 PM PDT
Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Attorney conflicts and spousal support

1 month ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

Question: My ex-husband and I finalized our divorce last year. When I contacted the attorney we had used for the past two decades, he said he could not help me update my will because he has a conflict. He said he is working for my ex now and can’t work with me. I guess I should have contacted the attorney sooner because now I am shut out. I had no idea that the attorney would not be able to continue working for me, he was great. Maybe you should warn your readers about this problem.
Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: More homeowner’s insurance concerns

1 month ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

If you own a home in California, you may have already seen spikes in your homeowner’s insurance or, worse yet, been notified that your insurance carrier will not be renewing your coverage. Due to wildfires, natural disasters and some California insurance laws, more and more insurance companies are just refusing to write insurance for homeowners. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: April 19, 2025 at 11:27 AM PDT
Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: More on children ‘helping’

1 month ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

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Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Children “helping”

2 months ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

Question: My sister and I stayed with our mom at her home for the last three weeks of her life. When she passed, my sister and I contacted the social security administration, closed her safe deposit box and her post office box. We also took the items of personal property we were entitled to under her trust and cleared out all the old files Mom had. My mom had appointed a professional fiduciary as her trustee.
Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Can I assume my parents’ homeowner’s insurance?

2 months ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

Question: I will inherit my parents’ home when they go to the great beyond. I am told that I can assume their mortgage – which has a great rate since they are so smart and refinanced when the rates were low. However, with all the problems with getting homeowner’s insurance in California, I am not sure if I can get insurance and, if I can, what the cost will be. Can I also assume their homeowner’s insurance?
Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Do I need a POLST?

2 months ago | montereyherald.com | Liza Horvath

Question: I heard you speak recently and you said that “everyone over age 18 should have a will, power of attorney for finances and an Advance Health Care Directive.” I have those documents and have a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment as well. Do I need both a POLST and an AHCD? Answer: The short answer is that if you are seriously ill and would not want to be resuscitated in a medical emergency, then you should have both documents.