Clear, practical articles to help you better understand estate planning, trusts, and related topics. Our goal is to provide helpful information so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
Happy New Year! As we turn the page on another year, many of us think about health goals, financial goals, and ways to make this year better than the last. But one resolution that is often overlooked, yet one of
Recently, a remarkable story highlighted just how valuable a long-forgotten item can become and why it matters that loved ones know what you own. In 2024, three brothers cleaning out their late mother’s house discovered a dusty cardboard box in
When it comes to estate planning in California, most people understand the importance of having a living trust. A living trust is the heart of your estate plan, but it does not control retirement accounts, life insurance, and annuities. These
Title fraud, sometimes called deed fraud or home-title theft, occurs when someone impersonates a homeowner and files a false deed to transfer ownership of the property. Criminals may forge signatures or use fabricated identification to record documents with the county
This summer’s tax legislation—officially titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—brought clarity and certainty to estate planning by permanently increasing the federal estate and gift tax exemption to $15 million per individual (or $30 million for married couples), starting in 2026
When it comes to estate planning in California, most people understand the importance of having a trust. But many are surprised to learn that even with a trust, a Will still plays a critical role. With a Living Trust-based Estate Plan, a
The House of Representatives recently passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), a sweeping legislative package with significant changes. The OBBBA would also extend many provisions of the 2017 “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” including the federal estate and
Estate planning is a crucial step in ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are protected. Two of the most common tools used in estate planning are wills and trusts. While both serve
A trust avoids probate, but an empty trust does not. What do I mean by that? You have probably heard me say that a trust is like a bucket and you need to fill it with your assets for it to avoid
Recent wildfires have highlighted the importance of making sure you are properly covered by your homeowner’s insurance. If you have placed your home in a trust, you’ve taken a significant step toward protecting your assets from court involvement and ensuring
The results from the 2024 election are in and we now have just weeks remaining before the 119th Congress takes office and the new president is inaugurated. Each election brings about the possibility of change. Indeed, it is no exaggeration
Many of us labor a lifetime to build up our assets and fight for causes that matter to us. Few things are more fulfilling than the thought of sharing wealth and legacy with our family. Of course, it’s impossible to plan
