When discussing estate planning, I have many conversations about avoiding probate, protecting assets from taxes, guardianship and asset protection for minors, and just generally about what happens after someone passes. The topic that seems to be much more rare is, "What if … [Read more...] about Why is Incapacity Planning Important?

When a married couple is looking to maximize the usage of federal exemptions for their estate taxes, an A and B trust will play a large part in this process, especially since these trusts are part of the overall estate plan. The details of this trust system are included as part of the Revocable … [Read more...] about What Is An A & B Trust?

When it comes to administrating a trust, it is best to hire a trust administration lawyer to go through this process. … [Read more...] about Trust Administration

What does a probate lawyer do? … [Read more...] about Probate

We've all seen it on movie and television screens countless times. A character passes away, and his or her grieving (or not) relatives gather for the reading of the will. The actor playing an attorney reads off a list of who inherits what, various characters look pleased or not, and as the scene … [Read more...] about What Does A Probate Lawyer Do?

You may be asking yourself, what is an Estate Planning Trust? Get a quick overview below. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Trust

I get a lot of calls from people asking me if the estate plan they are completing online (or more often, have already completed), is adequate. They want to know if the so-called "Do It Yourself" plan will hold up. My answer starts with my standard reply..."it depends." In general, as an attorney, … [Read more...] about Can I Do My Estate Planning Myself?

Here's a typical lawyer answer - it depends:A trust can be a powerful tool to: There are a number of situations, particularly in California, where having a trust is the best option for reducing the costs and time frame, and making sure your estate is taken care of in the way you want it to … [Read more...] about Do I Really Need A Trust?