Gavels Down, Voices Up with Attorney Rachel King

Have you ever wondered if you can fight a will or trust that feels unfair? In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I share one of the toughest questions I get in my practice: “My dad’s new girlfriend changed his will—can I do anything about it?” We’ll break down undue influence —what it is, how it shows up, and what kind of evidence you’ll need if you want to contest an estate plan. I’ll also...

When is the right time to step in and pursue a conservatorship for someone you love? It’s a question I hear all the time—and the answer is rarely simple. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I break down what conservatorships really mean, how to recognize the early signs of incapacity (what I call the “dimmer switch effect” ), and what responsibilities a conservator takes on once appointed....

Have you ever been accused of mishandling a trust? It’s one of the most stressful and heartbreaking calls I get from clients—trustees who thought they were doing the right thing, only to find themselves under fire from unhappy beneficiaries. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I break down what happens when a trustee is accused of wrongdoing , whether it’s mismanagement, self-dealing, or s...

If you’ve just lost a loved one and are trying to make sense of what happens next—especially without a will—this episode is for you. I get this question all the time: “My dad just died… my aunt passed away yesterday… they didn’t have a will. Can we still do estate planning?” Here’s the short answer: no. Once someone passes, estate planning is no longer an option. But here’s the good news—you still...

This episode is for anyone who just heard the words “Alzheimer’s,” “early-stage dementia,” or “progressive cognitive decline” in their medical file—or who stood next to someone who did. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or unsure what to do next, know this: 👉 You are not behind. 👉 You still have time. 👉 And there is a plan. In this episode, I walk you through the four most important legal...

If you’re listening with a lump in your throat and your parent is in the hospital—unconscious, sedated, or confused—and no one has legal authority to act, this episode is for you. I’ve had so many families come to me in these exact moments: overwhelmed, afraid, and unsure of what to do next. In this episode, I’m walking you through what actually happens when a power of attorney wasn’t signed in ti...

Got a trip coming up? Surgery scheduled? Deployment orders in hand? You’re not alone—and if you’ve suddenly realized you don’t have a will or any legal documents in place, you’re in good company. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I walk you through how to get your emergency legal essentials in place fast. We’ll talk about what really matters when time is tight, what California law allows...

No will? No plan? No idea what happens next? You’re not alone—and if you're in California, especially Riverside County, this episode is for you. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up, I walk you through exactly what happens when someone dies without a will. We’ll break down California’s intestate succession laws, what probate looks like when there’s no estate plan, and who inherits—legally—not...

Here’s the truth: just having a will won’t help your family avoid probate —and if you’ve ever been told otherwise, this episode is a must-listen. I get this question all the time from grieving families wondering why they’re still stuck in court even though their parent left behind a will. In this episode, I’m setting the record straight on what a will actually does, why probate is still required i...

If you’ve ever found yourself blindsided because a trustee or executor sold off assets without telling you, you’re not alone. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I’m sharing the real-life story of a client who found out on Facebook that his father’s house was for sale—and what we did to stop it. I’ll explain your legal rights as a beneficiary , what you can do to take action immediately, a...

When someone passes away without leaving clear instructions, chaos can follow—legal chaos, family chaos, emotional chaos. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I break down exactly what happens when your loved one dies without a will in California. From courtroom confusion to family feuds, I’ll guide you through the messy middle and show you how to come out the other side informed, empowered...

If you think elder abuse only looks like bruises or hospital visits, think again. In this episode, I’m talking about the kind of abuse that happens quietly—through manipulation, isolation, and financial control. I’ve seen it happen with caregivers, neighbors, and even adult children. And I’m here to walk you through what to look for and how to stop it. We’ll talk about the red flags of undue influ...

When someone you love starts showing signs of dementia, it can feel like the ground is shifting under your feet. I’ve worked with countless families who waited too long to take action—because they didn’t know what legal steps to take or when to take them. In this episode, I’m giving you clear, compassionate guidance on how to legally support a loved one experiencing cognitive decline. Whether you’...

What happens when your child with a developmental disability turns 18 and becomes a legal adult? In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I break down everything parents need to know about establishing a conservatorship for an adult child with disabilities. We’ll explore the differences between general and limited conservatorships, when supported decision-making might be a better option, and ho...

Divorce brings major financial changes, and one of the biggest sources of conflict is support—both child support and spousal support. In this episode of, I break down the complexities of these legal obligations, explaining how child and spousal support are calculated, what factors courts consider, and the strategies you can use to navigate them effectively. I share insights from years in the court...

Dividing assets and debts in a divorce can feel overwhelming, but having a solid understanding of how property division works can make all the difference. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up, I break down the key aspects of financial separation, from classifying marital vs. separate property to understanding debt responsibility and the impact of tax implications. If you’re facing a divorce,...

Divorce is already an emotionally charged process, but when children are involved, it becomes even more complex. In this episode, I dive deep into the realities of custody and visitation. As an experienced family law attorney, I break down the different types of custody, what courts consider in custody battles, and why the "best interest of the child" is at the center of every decision. I also dis...

Choosing a trustee is one of the most critical decisions in estate planning, but it’s often misunderstood. Many people assume being a trustee is an honor, but in reality, it’s a complex and demanding job. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I break down the responsibilities of trustees, the common pitfalls they face, and what you can do if a trustee isn’t fulfilling their duties. We explor...

Elder abuse is more common than many realize, affecting millions of seniors each year. It’s not just about physical harm—emotional and financial abuse can be just as devastating. As a probate litigator, I see these cases far too often, and the saddest part? Most abuse comes from the people closest to the victim. In this episode, I dive deep into how to recognize elder abuse, the warning signs to w...

Guardianship and conservatorship are often misunderstood, but they play critical roles in protecting those who can’t care for themselves. Whether you’re dealing with an elderly parent, a disabled adult, or a child, understanding these legal designations is essential for securing their well-being and financial future. In this episode, I explain the key differences between guardianship and conservat...

Conservatorships are often misunderstood, yet they play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of those who can no longer make decisions for themselves. Whether you have an aging parent struggling with dementia or a loved one with a disability, knowing when and how to seek conservatorship is vital. In this episode, I dive into the complexities of conservatorships, breaking down what they are, w...

Parental alienation isn’t just a custody issue—it’s a deeply harmful dynamic that can reshape a child’s emotional and psychological well-being for life . When one parent actively or even unintentionally damages the child’s relationship with the other parent , it creates confusion, guilt, and lasting trauma. Over time, this can lead to low self-esteem, trust issues, difficulty forming healthy relat...

Parental alienation is one of the most emotionally devastating and legally challenging issues in family law. It’s not just about custody disputes—it’s about a child being manipulated, whether intentionally or unintentionally, into rejecting a loving parent. Watching your child pull away, become distant, or even express hostility toward you for reasons they can’t fully explain is heartbreaking.&nbs...

Divorce can feel like the end of everything you planned for—but it’s also the start of something new. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I talk about how to navigate the grief, uncertainty, and fear that come with divorce—and how to rebuild a life you love . Whether you’re struggling with emotional healing, financial independence, or just figuring out what comes next, this episode will he...

Co-parenting isn’t easy. Whether you’re navigating divorce, post-divorce custody issues, or figuring things out as unmarried parents, co-parenting can be one of the biggest sources of legal battles . In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up , I break down the realities of co-parenting, why it’s so challenging, and how to keep the peace while prioritizing your child’s well-being . In this episode,...