This holiday season recalls cheesy holiday movies. Scenes are set with children visiting the family home – possibly for the last time. One of them wishes they could keep the home with all the memories and moments it brings to mind. They all bemoan the tax man who makes it impossible to keep that family home in the family. But is it? There’s usually only one major consideration for a child considering keeping the family home – can I afford it? Sometimes people think, “The family home is worth so much more than my current home, I don’t…Read More
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to put off. But with the right guidance, the process can be simpler, smoother, and much less daunting. As an estate planning attorney, I’m here to help Californians avoid common mistakes and make thoughtful decisions to protect their families and assets. This article covers some of the most frequent questions I receive, including: How often you should review or update your estate plan in California. How to protect your assets from the estate tax and the costs and complications of probate. How to avoid common mistakes and choose the right…Read More
We all know someone who left this world far too soon. Just recently, a friend of mine passed away, leaving behind her twin daughters. She was only a few years older than me, and her sudden death shook me. As I looked at my own child, I found myself asking, “What if that happened to me?” It’s a difficult thought, but these are the things we, as parents, can’t afford to ignore. That’s why it’s so important to me that my clients take the time to think through these scenarios, even the uncomfortable ones. The truth is, guardianship…Read More
Planning for the future means ensuring your children will be in caring hands if you can’t be there. Nominating a guardian might feel like a big step, but knowing your child’s future is secure brings real peace of mind. This guide covers what Orange County parents—and parents across California—should know about choosing a guardian, including: How to nominate a guardian in California. Key factors to consider when selecting a guardian. What happens if you don’t name a guardian, and the essential documents you’ll need. What Is Guardianship In Estate Planning, And What Does A Guardian Do For My…Read More
Everyone values control over their life, future, and the choices they make. But inevitably, there may come a time when that control diminishes—whether due to temporary incapacity, permanent disability, or death. Estate planning offers a legal framework to maintain influence over what happens to your assets and loved ones after you can no longer make decisions. This article explains essential estate planning concepts in California, including: What makes up an estate plan, and when you might need one (not just for after you die!) What assets you can leave behind, and who you can leave them to (even…Read More
On September 30, 2024, two new rules regarding the deductions from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) became effective. One removes food as ISM (89 Fed. Reg. 25507). If you have a loved one who is receiving SSI, these changes can make a big difference both in how you’re spending that SSI check and other resources for your loved one and within your estate plan. SSI provides a monthly amount which is designated to provide food and shelter to qualifying individuals. California provides a State Supplementary Payment which increases the total amount the…Read More
Estate planning used to be a lot simpler than it is today. You told your lawyer who you wanted to get your house, car, and bank account, and they did the rest. Now, unfortunately, the internet age has brought another more complicated element into the picture: digital assets. This article explains: What digital assets are and why they need to be included in your estate plan. How a digital trustee can help manage digital assets after you die. How to access digital assets after someone’s death when they have not been provided for in an estate plan. What…Read More
In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, has become an essential modern reproductive tool for all kinds of families across California and the world. However, it comes with some legal complications – especially when it comes to setting up the estate plan that will determine what happens to your property and assets when you pass away. This article aims to explain those complications and provide considerations and solutions for California families exploring IVF, including: What IVF is, and how it and other assisted reproductive technologies have impacted California estate planning. The considerations involved in the use of fertilized eggs and…Read More
Everyone knows that once you have kids, you have to start planning for the future. However, few Californians realize that there are many advantages to starting the estate planning process far before you have children. This article explains when you might want to work on your estate plan as a single adult with no kids and why: The benefits for singles of planning their estates early, and what documents you’ll want. Who, outside of immediate family, you can bequeath wealth or assets to. Knowing how to choose the right trustee and when to update your California estate plan.…Read More
Imagine you’re in the grocery store and you overhear this conversation: “I love my kids, but since they’ve both become really opinionated it feels like every family get together there’s some kind of fight. Sometimes I just want to disinherit them and give all our money to a peace-keeping charity to make a point.” “I know how you feel. I’ve threatened to disinherit Suzie, but she just laughed and told me that the charity would probably be corrupt by the time I die and so it’ll all go to waste anyway. I’m thinking I’ll just give away most…Read More
