Why Quick and Simple Estate Plan Reviews Don’t Exist
When someone calls an estate planning attorney asking for a “quick look” at their documents, the request usually sounds straightforward. Maybe the documents were created using an online service, and they want to “just be sure” the documents are sound. Perhaps there’s been a move to a new state and a
Raising Stewards, Not Mere Beneficiaries: Preparing the Next Generation for Inheritance
Steward —a term for someone entrusted with the care of something that does not personally belong to them—is commonly used in such realms as business, public service, and environmentalism. Conservationists may be referred to as stewards of the land. Business leaders may describe themselves as steward
“It Has Been Such a Good Life”: The Legacy Your Loved Ones Need
When Anna Harp lost her father, Rudolph Clausing , she didn’t get to say goodbye. It was January 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dad had been battling lung disease when he contracted the virus, and strict hospital protocols meant his family couldn’t be by his side in his final
Understanding Inheritance Taxes: What You and Your Beneficiaries Need to Know
When planning for your death, there’s one issue you may not have thought about, but is so important to your beneficiaries: will your loved ones have to pay taxes on what you leave them? The answer isn’t straightforward because it depends largely on the types of assets you’re passing down, how much y
Talking to Aging Parents About Estate Planning
Beyond the practical purpose of transferring assets and reducing taxes, an estate plan reflects love, responsibility, and values. That emotional heaviness may be part of why many families avoid the subject. Pew Research reports that only about 3 in 10 US adults have created a basic estate plan (a wi
Love, Loss, and Legacy: Handling Sentimental Belongings After the Death of a Loved One
Personal items accumulated over our lifetimes may be left in estate planning limbo when we pass away. You may have kept many personal effects and everyday items more for sentimental reasons than for financial value, such as your clothing, jewelry, books, quilts, collectibles, and religious items. Ea
When a Trustee Becomes a Burden: Knowing When to Fire Theme
The title of trustee implies that this position should be held by someone you find trustworthy, and for good reason. Serving as a trustee of a trust carries significant responsibility and duty not just to you as the trust’s creator but also to the beneficiaries who depend on accurate, faithful admin
How to Avoid Probate in California – 3 Smart Legal Strategies
Key Takeaways Probate is triggered in California at $184,500 in fair market value — meaning almost every homeowner is at risk, regardless of income level. A will alone does NOT avoid probate. A properly drafted and fully funded revocable living trust is the most reliable strategy. Beneficiary design
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in California?
Death is an inevitable part of life, yet many people delay or overlook the importance of estate planning. If you reside in California, understanding what happens if you die without a will is crucial to ensuring your assets and loved ones are protected. This blog will guide you through the legal proc
How to Choose the Initial Trustee of Your Trust
When you establish a trust, you nominate someone to be the trustee. If you are creating a revocable living trust, you will likely be the initial trustee. You will also want to name successors or backup trustees to step in and manage the trust’s affairs if you can no longer manage the trust yourself.