Creating an estate plan is an important first step toward protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored. But it’s not a one-and-done task. Life changes and so should your estate plan. Outdated documents can cause confusion, conflict, and unintended outcomes when it matters most. So how often should you review and update your … Read moreHow Often Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
As parents plan for the future, many consider adding their children to the title of their home as a simple way to pass down property and avoid probate. While this strategy may seem convenient, it carries serious legal and financial risks that can create complications for both you and your children. Before making any changes … Read moreShould You Add Your Children to the Title of Your Home?
With the rising cost of long-term care, many Californians are understandably concerned about how a nursing home stay could impact their savings, home, and other hard-earned assets. One of the most commonly asked questions in estate planning is: Can a trust help protect my assets from being used to pay for nursing home care? The … Read moreCan a Trust Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs?
When someone passes away without a will, the process of handling their estate can become complex and emotionally draining. In California, the absence of a will—also known as dying “intestate,” means that the state decides how the decedent’s property is distributed. If you’re facing this situation, understanding your legal responsibilities and rights is the first … Read moreLegal Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies Without a Will in California
Your estate plan is a living document meant to evolve as your life changes. However, updating your estate plan is not always straightforward. Many people unintentionally make mistakes that can lead to confusion, disputes, or even legal challenges down the line. Whether you’ve recently experienced a major life event or simply haven’t reviewed your plan … Read more5 Mistakes to Avoid When Updating Your Estate Plan
Our lives are increasingly lived online – from social media and email to online banking and cryptocurrency. However, many people overlook what will happen to these digital assets when they pass away. Planning for your “digital afterlife” is now a crucial part of estate planning. Without clear instructions, loved ones may struggle to access or … Read morePlanning for the Digital Afterlife: Including Online Accounts in Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is an essential part of ensuring that your wishes are carried out after your passing. However, even the most carefully crafted estate plan can face challenges in court. Whether it’s a family dispute, claims of undue influence, or allegations of a lack of capacity, challenges to an estate plan can delay the distribution … Read moreWhat to Do When Your Estate Plan Is Challenged in Court
Estate planning can often be overwhelming due to the many terms and rules involved, and one of the most commonly misunderstood areas is the difference between estate tax and inheritance tax. Both taxes can significantly impact your wealth transfer strategy, but they are distinct in their structure and who is ultimately responsible for paying them. … Read moreEstate Tax vs. Inheritance Tax: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Our hearts go out to all those affected by the recent wildfires in Southern California. The devastation has been unprecedented, with over 40,000 acres burned, lives lost, and more than 100,000 residents under evacuation orders. In light of these tragic events, it’s crucial to consider how estate planning can help protect your assets from such … Read moreCan an Estate Plan Protect My Assets from a Wildfire?
With Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, estate tax planning is likely to see significant shifts, particularly regarding the extension of tax policies that have benefited high-net-worth individuals. Trump’s proposed policies are centered around the continued support for tax cuts and potential estate tax relief, shaping the future of estate planning. Extension of … Read moreWhat Trump’s Win Means for Estate Tax Planning