In a monumental shift that will reshape the legal landscape of the Central Coast, we are thrilled to announce the impending merger of two esteemed law firms within Ventura County—Lowthorp, Richards, McMillan, Miller & Templeman, and The Hathaway Law Firm, LLP. This transformative union is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024, giving rise to the start of a dynamic legal entity, Lowthorp Richards, LLP. Prepare for a new era of legal excellence and continued client-focused service.
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Estate Planning for Blended Families
Estate planning plays a vital role in ensuring that your wishes are carried out during your lifetime and after your passing, and it is often a source of fulfillment and contentment. The ability to contribute to the well-being and happiness of family and community in the near and long term is cherished and vital. Estate planning grows in terms of complexity the more extensive the household and family members involved. The challenge increases when considering the unique needs of all family members, including step-parents, step-children, and biological children. In the case of intricate family dynamics, it is essential to seek the counsel of an attorney to examine the specific needs of blended families and create an estate plan that meets those needs.
Estate Planning During a Divorce- What to Know
During the process of a divorce, having trusted legal experts to consult with is an invaluable reassurance. They can help you navigate the legal and financial aspects of the divorce and ensure your estate plan aligns with your post-divorce goals. While it is recommended to review your estate plan annually, the current situation calls for a review and a potential update.
During a divorce, it is crucial to seek advice from legal, financial, and estate planning specialists, such as divorce attorneys and estate planners. They can help you navigate the legal and financial aspects of the divorce and ensure your estate plan aligns with your post-divorce goals.
Specific tasks they can perform include reviewing and updating beneficiary designations on your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and any other assets with named beneficiaries. They will make sure the designated beneficiaries reflect your post-divorce wishes. If you have a will or trust in place, you will likely need to revoke or amend it to account for the divorce. This may involve naming new beneficiaries, trustees, or executors.
Digital Assets in Estate Planning: How to Secure Your Digital Legacy
Digital assets are a wide range of virtual items that hold value in the real world. This asset class includes digital services, products and art, cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens, domain names, etc. Even though these items exist in the computer world and can often not be held and measured, they can obtain multi-million-dollar valuations.
It’s important to note that while there are opportunities to make money from digital assets, there are risks involved, including price volatility, regulatory changes, and scams. It’s crucial to conduct extensive research, understand the markets, and consider your risk tolerance before investing or participating in any digital asset-related activities. Additionally, tax implications may vary depending on your location and the specific actions you engage in, so it’s advisable to consult with financial or legal professionals for guidance.
Read moreDigital Assets in Estate Planning: How to Secure Your Digital Legacy
Probate Explained: Everything You Need to Know
Probate is a legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is settled, and their assets are distributed to beneficiaries or heirs according to the law or their will (if one exists). Important outcomes of probate include validating the will, appointing an executor, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets. The probate process ensures validity and authenticity if the deceased person has a will. This involves verifying that the will was executed correctly and reflects the deceased person’s true intentions.
Asset Protection: Tips and Tricks for Every Individual
In today’s volatile financial environment, ensuring the protection of one’s assets has become paramount. Whether you are an individual with significant holdings or a parent wanting to secure your family’s financial future, asset protection is essential. From shielding your estate from creditors and lawsuits to setting up trusts, the world of asset protection can seem complex. However, with the right strategy and advice, it’s possible to fortify your assets effectively.
Read moreAsset Protection: Tips and Tricks for Every Individual
Understanding Property Reassessment: How an Attorney Can Help Safeguard Your Interests
While property reassessment is generally important for maintaining fairness and accuracy in taxation systems, there can be negative consequences associated with the process. Property reassessment can lead to tax increases and a shift in the tax burden among property owners.
Read moreUnderstanding Property Reassessment: How an Attorney Can Help Safeguard Your Interests
Property Taxes: How your Attorney Can Help You
Many young couples are excited to start their life and buy a place of their very own. What many don’t realize is just how high property taxes can be, and how it can impact their finances and their plans for their home.
How the IRS Recently Changed the Rules on Irrevocable Trusts
The recent issuance of Revenue Ruling 2023-2 by the IRS has brought significant implications for estate planning, mainly when it involves irrevocable trusts. Over the past decade, an increasing number of families have turned to this instrument as a means of safeguarding their assets from being depleted to meet eligibility criteria for government benefits like Medicaid and VA Aid and Attendance. Many more estates have used irrevocable trusts to reduce tax liability through a step-up in basis.
Read moreHow the IRS Recently Changed the Rules on Irrevocable Trusts
Wrongful Termination – Know Your Rights
Wrongful termination is when an employer terminates an employee’s employment in violation of their legal rights. It occurs when an employee is fired or laid off for reasons that are illegal or improper under employment laws and regulations. Wrongful termination can take various forms and may involve a breach of an employment contract or a violation of federal, state, or local laws that protect employees from unfair treatment in the workplace.