The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas serve as a stark reminder of how unpredictable life can be. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional tolls, these disasters can have long-term implications for...more
A living trust is a way of holding title to your assets so they will not have to go through probate (a Court supervised estate administration) upon your death. The trust states what happens to your assets if you are...more
A common misconception is that when you die with a Will, your heirs avoid probate. In California when you die with a Will and the total assets owned in your sole name exceed $166,250, your estate goes through probate (a court...more
5/31/2020
/ Asset Management ,
Beneficiaries ,
Decedent Protection ,
Estate Planning ,
Fiduciary Duty ,
Heirs ,
Inheritance ,
Personal Representatives ,
Power of Attorney ,
Probate ,
Probate Code
With the coronavirus pandemic, many people have asked, “what happens if I die without an estate plan?” Without a properly prepared estate plan, California does your planning for you. ...more
Last Sunday I learned that my mother’s dear friend who is very active, hikes daily, gardens daily, does senior yoga weekly, eats a healthy diet, and has many volunteer and social commitments that keep her happy, went on a...more
1/30/2020
/ Asset Management ,
Beneficiaries ,
Beneficiary Designations ,
Estate Planning ,
Inheritance ,
Minor Children ,
Probate ,
Retirement Plan ,
Spouses ,
Tax Benefits ,
Tax Planning ,
Transfer of Assets
So you have an estate plan? Good for you. You funded it? Even better. But have you updated it and your will in the last year? If you haven’t, your loved ones or favorite charities may be in for an unpleasant surprise. Your...more
4/27/2017
/ 529 Plans ,
Beneficiaries ,
Beneficiary Designations ,
Death Benefits ,
Decedent Protection ,
Disinherit ,
Divorce ,
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) ,
Inheritance ,
Life Insurance ,
Marriage ,
Retirement Plan
Divorce or separation agreements often require one spouse to maintain life insurance as security for their support obligation. Attorneys often do not address the tax implications if the insured spouse owns the policy. ...more