Legacy Protected:
Navigating Estate Planning and Probate in Southern California
Welcome to *Legacy Protected*, the podcast by The Soto Law Group, dedicated to empowering Southern California families and business owners through essential insights on estate planning, probate, trust and probate litigation, and trust administration. In each episode, we’ll demystify the complex legal landscape that surrounds asset protection, inheritance preservation, and care for vulnerable family members.
We'll answer questions such as:
- What is the difference between a Will and a Trust, and why do so many people confuse them?
- Why do I need a Trust?
- What is Probate, and how can it affect my estate?
- What is the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust?
- Who should be the Trustee or Executor in our estate plan?
- When should our children be allowed to take charge of their inheritance?
- Should the Guardian of our children also manage their financial affairs?
Join us as we discuss the customized strategies that can shield your legacy, safeguard minor children, and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Whether you're planning for the future, facing probate, or supporting an elderly loved one, we offer expert guidance and compassionate solutions to help you protect what matters most.
013: How California Business Owners Can Transfer Wealth, Protect Assets, and Avoid Probate Court
Apr 15, 2026
Business succession planning is where California business owners lose the most money — and most of them never see it coming. In this episode, DeDe Soto, estate planning attorney and founder of the Soto Law Group, walks through the legal tools that protect a business through ownership transfer: LLCs, buy-sell agreements, irrevocable trusts, and the current $15 million federal gift…[...]
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In this episode of Legacy Protected, DeDe Soto breaks down everything California business owners need to know about business succession planning — and why most of them aren't as prepared as they think. From LLCs without operating agreements to S corporations with no estate plan attached, DeDe walks through the real consequences of leaving these critical documents unconnected, including costly…[...]
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Probate in California is expensive, time-consuming, and — with the right planning — almost entirely avoidable. In this episode, DeDe Soto breaks down three proven strategies for keeping your estate out of probate court: revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, and the often-misunderstood risks of joint tenancy and gifting. DeDe explains why even having a will isn't enough, and walks through…[...]
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010: Transferring Property in Newport Beach: Trusts, LLCs, and Family Dynamics Explained
Mar 4, 2026
Transferring real estate in Newport Beach involves far more than just signing over a deed — and DeDe Soto breaks down everything families need to know. From passing vacation homes and rental properties to the next generation, to navigating the messy realities of multi-generational and out-of-state ownership, DeDe walks through the tools, strategies, and pitfalls that can make or break…[...]
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009: How to Transfer Real Estate in California Without Triggering Massive Capital Gains or Property Tax Reassessment
Feb 18, 2026
In this episode of Legacy Protected, DeDe Soto breaks down one of the most important estate planning issues facing Southern California families: how to transfer high-value real estate without triggering unnecessary taxes. With property values soaring across Orange County, understanding step-up in basis, capital gains, Prop 13, and Prop 19 is critical—especially for seniors concerned about Medicaid planning, nursing home…[...]
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008: The Truth About AI, Probate, and Do-It-Yourself Wills in California with Shanda Beach
Feb 4, 2026
Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now, but how much can you really trust it when legal decisions are on the line? In this episode of Legacy Protected, host DeDe Soto sits down with attorney Shanda Beach of Beach Law Group to unpack the real-world pros and pitfalls of using AI in probate, estate planning, and legal practice. Together, they explore…[...]
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In this episode of Legacy Protected, host DeDe Soto explores what really happens when probate and trust disputes collide with high-stakes business litigation. Joined by Shanda Beach, founder of a Newport Beach business litigation boutique, the conversation pulls back the curtain on how contentious family and shareholder disputes unfold behind the scenes. Together, they break down why settlement is often…[...]
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In this episode of Legacy Protected, we take a deep dive into estate planning strategies tailored for high net worth families, with a focus on the unique financial, tax, and family dynamics that come with significant wealth. From evolving federal estate tax exemptions and gifting strategies to advanced planning tools like irrevocable trusts, LLCs, and asset protection structures, this conversation…[...]
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005: Blended Families, High-Value Homes & Probate: Expert Strategies to Protect Your Legacy in Newport Beach
Dec 24, 2025
Unlock the mysteries of the probate maze and empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate Orange County's complex legal landscape. Join DeDe Soto as we unravel the intricacies of the probate process, shedding light on the pitfalls of self-representation and the significant delays caused by a congested court system. This episode guides you through the legal nuances and potential tax…[...]
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Unlock the secrets of navigating the probate process in Southern California with DeDe Soto. Discover the essential steps to protect your legacy and smoothly distribute assets, as we tackle the complexities of probate in areas like Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Irvine. This episode peels back the layers of probate’s often grueling timeline, exacerbated by pandemic-related court slowdowns and family…[...]
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The Soto Law Group serves clients in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Orange County, Riverside County, Coachella Valley area and throughout surrounding California communities.