10 Things to Know if You are a Beneficiary in a Probate Case
Are you a beneficiary in a probate case? Probate can be a long process that many think is avoided with a will. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. If you are a beneficiary in a probate case, there are several important things you should know and consider.
How To Hold Title to Your Home & Common Mistakes
How To Hold Title to Your Home & Common Mistakes Holding title to a home involves legal ownership and can have significant financial and legal implications when title isn’t held properly. Many people are not aware of the implications and unknowingly make common mistakes. In order to be better prepared and make informed decisions, learning […]
The Most Important Things to Consider When Gifting Real Estate to Your Children
The Most Important Things to Consider When Gifting Real Estate to Your Children Gifting real estate property to children is a significant financial and legal decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some important things people need to know when gifting real estate property to their children: TAX IMPLICATIONS Gifting real estate property […]
Lagerlof LLP Partner, Vanessa Terzian, Named Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Symposium Nominee
Lagerlof LLP Partner, Vanessa Terzian, Named Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Symposium Nominee PASADENA, CA – Lagerlof, LLP’s, Vanessa Terzian, was honored as a nominee at the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Symposium & Awards event held on Wednesday June 28 at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown. Vanessa was nominated as an Executive […]
Top 3 Considerations When Creating an Estate Plan
Top 3 Considerations When Creating an Estate Plan Estate planning is a critical process that can safeguard your assets, provide for your loved ones, and ensure that your final wishes are respected. As estate planning laws and regulations continue to evolve in California, it’s essential to consider the following top three needs when creating an […]
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 […]