How Creating a Trust Can Help Avoid Probate in California
How Creating a Trust Can Help Avoid Probate in California Probate is a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful for heirs. In California, probate can take anywhere from nine months to several years, depending on the complexity of the estate. Fortunately, creating a trust is one of the most effective ways to avoid […]
How to Avoid Tax Reassessment on Your Home in California: Key Strategies for Homeowners
How to Avoid Tax Reassessment on Your Home in California: Key Strategies for Homeowners As a California homeowner, understanding how to protect your property from unnecessary tax reassessments is crucial to maintaining predictable and manageable property taxes. California’s property tax system is governed by Proposition 13, passed in 1978, which limits the amount your property […]
Managing the Finances of an Incapacitated Californian: A Practical Guide
Managing the Finances of an Incapacitated Californian: A Practical Guide When a Californian becomes mentally incapacitated and unable to manage their financial affairs, it often falls to friends or family members to step in. However, even with the best intentions, navigating the procedural and legal hurdles at banks and brokerage firms can feel overwhelming. This […]
Creating and Managing a Trust: Do I Need an Attorney?
Creating and Managing a Trust: Do I Need an Attorney? When it comes to trusts, the question of whether you need an attorney often arises. While some may consider handling trusts independently, there are compelling reasons why enlisting the expertise of a legal professional is crucial. Here are three key reasons why you need […]
The Importance of Estate Planning: Ensuring Family Harmony and Protecting Your Legacy
The Importance of Estate Planning: Ensuring Family Harmony and Protecting Your Legacy Estate Planning attorneys see firsthand the turmoil and discord that can arise within families when a loved one passes away without a clear and comprehensive estate plan. The emotional toll of losing a family member is compounded when disputes over the estate emerge, […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
