When it comes to leaving an IRA to your children, changes to federal law have made things more complicated—and, potentially, more expensive. But there’s a…
$20,000 to $200,000: A Simplified Example of How Taxes Work When an Estate Sells Property
When a loved one dies, families often find themselves struggling not only with grief but also with the confusing world of probate and taxes. One…
Shielding Benefits, Not Assets: The Truth About Special Needs Trusts
Introduction – Why Benefits Matter and How Easy It Is to Lose Them For many individuals with disabilities, public benefits are a lifeline. Programs like…
Trusts vs. Creditors: What Works and What Doesn’t in California Estate Planning
Many Californians assume that placing assets into a trust automatically shields them from creditors. Unfortunately, this belief is only sometimes true. In reality, whether a…
Why Notices Matter: Who You Must Notify During Probate
When someone passes away and their estate goes through probate, most people expect paperwork, court filings, and (eventually) property transfer to the heirs. Giving proper…
Who’s Living in the House? What to Do When Someone Won’t Leave After a Loved One Dies
There’s a Stranger in My Loved One’s Home. What Do I Do? If you’ve recently lost a family member and discovered someone unexpectedly living in…
From Simple to Sophisticated: Choosing Between “A,” “AB,” and “ABC” Trusts in Your Estate Plan
When it comes to estate planning, not all trusts are created equal—especially for married couples. The structure of your trust can have a profound impact…
Unlocking Savings with Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs): A Guide for California Homeowners
Estate planning often involves balancing the desire to provide for loved ones with strategies to minimize taxes. For California homeowners, a Qualified Personal Residence Trust…
Password-Protected Legacies: Managing Access to Digital Estates
Why Digital Estates Matter in Kern County Imagine this: A loved one passes away, leaving behind bank accounts, medical records, and priceless family photos locked…
Why I Would Never Draft a Will.
I get the question frequently: “Can you please draft my will?” The answer is, “no.” But here is why. Estate Plans I draft estate plans.…