Trust Administration in California: A Step-by-Step Guide for Trustees
KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode of Legacy Protected, estate planning and trust administration attorney Romelia “DeDe” Soto of The Soto Law Group walks through one of the most misunderstood — and often overwhelming — responsibilities a person can be handed: serving as a trustee. Whether you were named in advance and have had time to […]
Business Succession Planning in California: Don’t Leave It to Chance
Key Takeaways Introduction If you own a business in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, or Irvine, chances are you spend most of your energy growing that business — not planning for what happens if you can’t run it anymore. But that gap in planning can devastate everything you have built. In this episode of Legacy Protected, […]
018: Naming a Guardian for Your Children: What California Parents Need to Know
Most parents put off naming a guardian for their children because the topic feels heavy to sit with. DeDe Soto breaks down why that delay carries real risk, walking through what happens when a judge, not a parent, ends up deciding who raises the kids after a tragedy strikes. DeDe covers the difference between short-term […]
Why a Will Isn’t Enough to Protect Your Children
A will feels like protection. It isn’t, not for the hours and days right after a tragedy. DeDe Soto, an estate planning attorney with the Soto Law Group, has watched too many California families discover this gap only after it’s too late to fix. Here’s the problem. A will only takes effect after someone dies, […]
Make Sure Your Kids Are Prepared with This Summer Camp Checklist
Camp is a great opportunity for kids to make new friends, try new activities, and gain self-confidence and resilience. But as parents and counselors know, a lot of preparation goes into making lasting summer camp memories. Camp is a unique experience, in part because it may be the only time during the year that kids […]
Planning a Barbecue Is Like Planning Your Estate
For many, the Fourth of July signals the beginning of summer and enjoying warm-weather activities, including backyard barbecues with friends and family. Although a cookout may be an informal affair, planning is crucial to its success. This is true for estate planning, too. Just as preparations are necessary for a successful cookout, a little planning […]
Who Would Raise Your Kids If You Couldn’t? (What You Don’t Know About the First 72 Hours)
I work with parents on this exact question all the time, and especially this time of year, sitting right between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the love you have for your children tends to be at the forefront of your mind. But there’s a question I find most parents haven’t actually answered yet, even the […]
Father Knows Best: Avoiding Common Estate Planning Pitfalls
If you’re a father, you’ve always strived to provide the best for your family, ensuring their well-being and securing their future. However, even the most well-intentioned plans can falter if you overlook the complexities of estate planning. So this Father’s Day, let’s celebrate all of you dads and explore some common pitfalls that fathers often […]
The Question Every Father Thinks He’s Answered (But Hasn’t)
There are two kinds of fathers. The first kind coaches the games, makes it to the school plays, stays up late helping with the projects, and loves his family in every visible way. He thinks about what would happen if something happened to him: maybe during a long drive home, maybe after a close call
The Family Meeting: Not Just for Billionaires
For some people, the term family meeting may not bring to mind a pleasant gathering where everyone shares fond memories and warm feelings. When someone says, “We need to talk,” it often implies that something is wrong or that tough decisions need to be made or discussed. However, in estate planning