Blog
California Estate Planning – Updated Resource Booklets
We recently published updated versions of my three most popular resource booklets relating to California estate...
Your Financial Power of Estate Plan Attorney: Powerful Provisions
A financial power of attorney is a powerful legal document that gives someone the authority to make decisions if...
Do I Have to Use My Parents’ Estate Planning Attorney for Trust Administration
Parents, when creating a trust, frequently choose one of their children to take over as trustee when the parents are...
What to Do With Medications After Someone Dies?
A loved one’s passing leaves family members to figure out how to handle many different aspects of the person’s life,...
Seven Reasons to Consider a Family Estate Planning Office
Family estate planning offices provide an array of services specifically designed to meet the needs of affluent...
Dealing With Your Spouse’s Debts When They Die
The death of a spouse is an enormous burden for the spouse left behind. During this time of grief and loss, a...
“Encanto” Raises Important Estate Planning Issues
Pop culture isn’t necessarily an accurate source of estate planning information. Still, in some cases, it can raise...
Leaving an Inheritance: Which Distribution Is Best?
As a parent, it may be one of your many goals to leave behind an inheritance for your beloved children. The good news...
Statements of Intent or Purpose in Trusts
California law allows trusts to be created “for any purpose that is not illegal or against public policy.” That very...
The Basics of Gift Taxes
This article is about taxes on gifts made during life, not about taxes that may apply to gifts made after death. The...
Debunking Estate Planning Myths: Janet on KALW in April
In April, Janet was featured on KALW's Your Legal Rights program, hosted by Jeff Hayden. Many of us don’t think about...
FAFSA Guideline Change Aids Grandparents in Funding Kid’s Education
FAFSA Guideline Change Aids Grandparents in Funding Kid’s Education Many grandparents enjoy the chance to help their...
Pour-Over Trust in Estate Planning
More and more people are bringing significant assets with them into marriage. As a result, both parties have separate...
Is an Electronic Will Right for You?
When most people think about having a will made, they think about a long, dusty document filled with confusing legal...
Who Will Take Care of My Child If I Die or Can’t?
Guardianship and Fiduciary Responsibility for Your Kids Having children is one thing that motivates many people to...
Estate Tax Planning and Marital Deduction
Estate Tax Planning and the Marital Deduction Most couples prefer to maximize the share of their estate that passes to...
May-September Relationships and Estate Planning
Age is not an important factor for many people in choosing a partner. While the average gap in married couples is...
The Basics of Common Trusts
Good parenting is about loving and supporting your children. That does not always mean spending the same resources for...
