New Year’s Resolution: Protect What Matters Most
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 the most meaningful, is this: Resolve to protect your family’s future by reviewing your estate […]
Your Heirlooms Might Be Worth More Than You Think
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 the attic. Inside was a near‑pristine 1939 copy of Superman No. 1, the first issue […]
Beneficiary Designations: An Important Piece of Your Estate Plan
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 types of assets need beneficiary designations. To understand how beneficiary designations work, it’s helpful to […]
Title Fraud in California: What It Is and What You Can Do
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 recorder’s office. Once recorded, they may attempt to sell the property, rent it out, or […]
Estate Tax Reform in the “One Big Beautiful Bill”: What You Need to Know with Updates
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 and indexed for inflation thereafter. For years, estate planners and families alike have watched the […]
Why You Still Need a Will When You Have a Trust
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 Will is often referred to as a Pour-Over Will. The Three Buckets of Property at […]
Estate Tax Reform in the “One Big Beautiful Bill”: What You Need to Know
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 gift tax laws. Here’s an overview of the proposed reforms to the estate tax and […]
Understanding the Differences Between Wills and Trusts
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 the purpose of transferring assets, they operate in distinct ways and offer different advantages. What […]
Funding the Trust 2025
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 probate. Retitling your assets to your trust is referred to as “funding” your trust. In this […]
Should You Add Your Trust to Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?
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 a smoother transition for your beneficiaries. However, many homeowners now wonder whether the trust needs […]