THAT’S DEBATABLE:

Assemblyman Chuck DeVore has proposed legislation to make it easier for people to bequeath their property.

His bill would let people fill out a notarized deed that would let them avoid spending thousands on attorney fees. DeVore, though, argues that attorneys serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee have bottled up his legislation to “protect” their own.

State Sen. Tom Harman, the committee’s vice chairman, says the bill could invite lawsuits. What do you think? Should the bill be passed to the governor’s desk, or does it need more work?

In my experience as an attorney, I have found that “simple” methods to transfer property usually become vehicles for fraud, confusion and unnecessary litigation. Unfortunately, AB 250 is no exception.

The language in AB 250 opens the door for disgruntled heirs of the decedent and trial attorneys to benefit from the ambiguities in the proposed law. The forms created in the bill are very difficult for a layperson to understand.

A person’s home is their single most valuable asset. Why would a person want to dispense with such an asset via a form purchased from the local office supply store without judicial oversight to ensure their final wishes are carried out?

Tom Harman

Senator

(R-Huntington Beach)

Since 2004, the revocable transfer upon death deed bill has been unanimously approved four times by the Assembly or Senate.

The bill gives Californians the freedom to do what 10 other states allow: use a simple notarized form to transfer ownership of a house to a relative or friend without paying for an attorney to create a trust.

Naturally, some attorneys don’t like the bill. But most people have simple estates and therefore don’t need to hire an attorney — a trust is costly and unneeded for these people.

Chuck DeVore

Assemblyman

R-Newport Beach

I hear again and again about the need to help struggling seniors as they deal with financial burdens. AB 250 would simplify the process of leaving your home to a loved one and would reduce the need for an attorney — helping many seniors on fixed incomes.

Nothing in AB 250 prohibits a senior from hiring a lawyer. This common sense measure should have a fair hearing and debate in the Senate committee and on the Floor. There’s no reason why it should be held on suspense.

Van Tran

Assemblyman

(R-Costa Mesa)