Joint Tenancy vs. Living Trust
What are the pros and cons of owning real property in joint tenancy versus in a living trust? Owning real property in joint tenancy and through a living trust are two common ways to hold property. Each option has its own pros and cons, but which one would be best for you? Here are some […]
WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN GIFTING REAL ESTATE
What You Need To Consider When Gifting Real Estate When gifting real estate to beneficiaries, owners should understand the potential for post-gift legal disputes, the property tax implications, and the income tax consequences of the change in ownership. If the property is gifted during the owner’s lifetime, the owner must consider the major legal issues […]
Every Parent’s Guide to Estate Planning: Peace of Mind Made Easy
Every Parent’s Guide to Estate Planning: Peace of Mind Made Easy Strapping your screaming kid into a car seat, cajoling your frightened toddler into holding still for vaccines, listening to your sweet baby wail as you leave her for the first time in the care of someone else … These are the not so fun parts […]
The Gift Clock is Ticking
The Gift Clock is Ticking: Tax Changes to Expect in 2026 Federal tax laws are changing on January 1, 2026. What does this mean? It means the amount that you can give away without gift or estate tax will be cut in half. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know… CHANGES IN […]
Part 3 — Family Meetings: Money Lessons — Teaching Financial Literacy With Age-Appropriate Practices
Part 3 — Family Meetings: Money Lessons – Teaching Financial Literacy With Age-Appropriate Practices Teaching children to be good stewards of wealth takes education, engagement, and experience. Communicating and developing a sense of the true meaning of wealth and teaching money lessons that develop financial literacy is a must, and it’s never too early for […]
When the Unthinkable Happens: Putting Your Guardianship Wishes in Writing
When the Unthinkable Happens: Putting Your Guardianship Wishes in Writing No one ever wants to think about what would happen to their children if they were in a horrible accident, or worse. However, this is something that you can’t afford not to plan for. The unthinkable happens to people every day, and not being prepared […]
Part 2: Family Meetings: How, What and When Do We Tell The Kids? Financial Information In An Information Age
Part 2: Family Meetings: How, What and When Do We Tell The Kids? Financial Information In An Information Age The traditional way of talking about wealth within a family is typically…silence. There is often fear about broaching the whole topic of family finances because of worries that sharing too much information will diminish one’s power, […]
Part 1 — Family Meetings: Understanding and Communicating Family Goals
Part 1 — Family Meetings: Understanding and Communicating Family Goals We all want to raise children who will be careful with money, but how? One of the best ways is to create a family culture of open communication about the family’s values, and the real meaning of wealth. Part of any family meeting should […]
Guardianship: What Documentation You Need To Create A Solid Plan
Guardianship: What Documentation You Need To Create A Solid Plan A big estate planning misconception is that to appoint a guardian for your minor children all you need to do is name a guardian in your will. Unfortunately, this is not true. A guardianship provided for in a Will only takes effect after you die. […]
Choosing A Trustee? Make Sure They Exhibit These Characteristics
Choosing A Trustee? Make Sure They Exhibit These Characteristics Choosing a Trustee can be a difficult and challenging task. If you are choosing a Trustee, here are some characteristics you may want to consider that will help assure your wishes and the closing of your estate are executed properly. A Trustee is a person named […]
What You Don’t Know About Being A Trustee Can Hurt You: Understanding What It Means To Be A Trustee
What You Don’t Know About Being A Trustee Can Hurt You: Understanding What It Means To Be A Trustee You may be flattered when your aging parents, or other relatives, ask you to serve as the Trustee of their estate. While it’s gratifying that they have such confidence in you, know what’s involved – and […]
Legal Entities and Real Property: Limiting Reassessment
Legal Entities and Real Property: Limiting Reassessment Legal practitioners have rightfully promoted the many advantages of holding real property in corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other legal entities. By doing so a landowner can limit personal liability, exercise a degree of anonymity, and realize various tax efficiencies. However, when advising clients regarding the transfer […]
Practitioner’s Guide to Preserving the Latino Legacy
Practitioner’s Guide to Preserving the Latino Legacy I. Article INTRODUCTION With each generation, Latin American immigrants are becoming wealthier and more aware of the need to work with California estate planners to protect their legacies. However, when a client from Latin America seeks an estate plan from a California estate planning attorney, the risk is […]
