Moving in or out of California and an estate planning review often go hand in hand, but many people don’t realize how relocation can impact their existing will or trust. In this article, we discuss… Whether your California estate plans remain valid if you move to another state. If you will need to retitle assets when you move out of state. Whether you will need to work with an attorney in both your former and new state. Does A California Will Or Living Trust Remain Legally Valid If I Move…Read More
Trustee compensation in California is a common source of confusion and, in some cases, conflict among families navigating trust administration. In this article, we break down… Whether a trustee is entitled to compensation in California. The transparency and accounting obligations that trustees have under California law. Common conflicts that can arise regarding trustee compensation. Is A Trustee Entitled To Compensation Under California Trust Law? The general rule is that trustees are entitled to compensation, but the answer ultimately depends on the trust document. Most trusts include specific language addressing: Whether…Read More
High net worth estate planning in Orange County involves more than simply transferring assets. In this article, we unpack… The estate plan risks that impact high net worth families in particular. How to protect appreciating real estate assets through estate planning. How to help shield properties and assets from divorce, lawsuits, and creditors. What Estate Tax Risks Affect High Net Worth Families In California? Historically, the primary concern was the federal estate tax, since California does not impose its own estate tax. However, because the federal estate tax exemption has…Read More
Planning an inheritance for a child is always emotional, but when addiction is part of the picture, the stakes feel even higher. Parents worry about whether money left behind will truly help their child or instead cause more harm. With careful planning, you can create protections that provide support while discouraging destructive behavior. We’ll explore… Who to select as the right trustee for your child’s trust and asset distributions. How an attorney can help you navigate the emotional challenges of leaving assets to a struggling child. How careful, thoughtful estate…Read More
Mitigating Legal Risks With An Estate Planning Attorney An estate planning attorney helps you avoid legal risks that could spell disaster for your estate and your beneficiaries’ future. As part of ensuring your plan works as intended, a reliable estate planning attorney will help mitigate these risks. One major risk is missing essential terms. Estate plans that fail to account for legal requirements—such as the rule against perpetuities—can become invalid, potentially causing the entire plan to collapse. Another common issue is loopholes. Poorly drafted documents may unintentionally allow beneficiaries to…Read More
In this article, you can discover… The differences between an estate plan that is “fair” versus “equal”. The types of circumstances that may warrant an unequal distribution of assets. How an attorney can help your family navigate both expectations and disappointments. What Is The Difference Between A Fair Estate Plan And An Equal Distribution? “Fairness” can be very subjective to define, as people and family situations differ. For example, you may have already helped one child pay for college, but not the other. Perhaps you helped your youngest buy a…Read More
In this article, you can discover… Why January is often an optimal time to begin or update your estate plans. How recent life changes might impact your estate plans. Steps to ensure your plans truly reflect your relationships, goals, and priorities. Why Is January One Of The Best Times Of Year To Start Or Update An Estate Plan? One reason that January is often an optimal time to start or update estate plans is that you have likely just seen your loved ones. Often, when you’re talking with loved ones,…Read More
For those unfamiliar with these, a Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD) is a type of legal document designed to articulate an individual's preferences for mental health treatment in the event of a future behavioral health crisis where they may be unable to make decisions independently. These directives serve to promote self-determination and ensure that an individual's wishes regarding their care are honored to the greatest extent possible even during periods of incapacitation. What Is The Benefit Of A Psychiatric Advance Directive? PADs are valuable for individuals with a history of behavioral…Read More
Every couple deserves peace of mind knowing that their loved one will be protected, no matter what happens. For LGBT couples in particular, the law does not always provide default safeguards, especially for unmarried partners. That’s why LGBT estate planning in Orange County, CA, is so important. In this article, we’ll unpack… The unique challenges LGBT couples face when estate planning. How unmarried partners can protect one another legally. The legal steps you can take to protect your children and your future. What Unique Estate Planning Challenges Do LGBT Couples…Read More
Blended families with children from more than one marriage or relationship are increasingly common. But the law is slow to catch up, especially when it comes to estate planning, and determining what happens to what you leave behind. This article answers key questions about estate planning for blended families in California, including: How to protect the inheritance of your biological children with an estate plan. What you can (and cannot) require your current spouse to pass on to your biological children. How to prevent legal battles between children and members…Read More
