Sally stared at the notice from the bank and frowned. “What’s that?” her husband, Bill asked. “Another bill for your dad?” Sally nodded. “But this time it’s his monthly mortgage payment. I wonder if we need to pay it. He’s only been dead five days. Maybe they aren’t aware of it.” Bill snorted. “Why pay the mortgage if he’s dead?…
“And to Mary Kay Morgan, I bequeath my home and the sum of $250,000,” the lawyer intoned. Sara gazed at her sister, Mary, her eyes filled with questions. “Who the heck is Mary Morgan?” she whispered. Mary shrugged. “No idea. Maybe Uncle Hank had a girlfriend or something?” Sara’s eyes narrowed. “Sounds fishy to me. We all know Uncle Hank…
One of the most important aspects of your estate plan may be the decisions you make about your health care. There may come a time when you are no longer able to make such decisions and by planning for that possibility, you can ensure that your desires will be carried out to the very end-of-life. There are three tools at…
The doorbell would not stop ringing. Finally, 80-year-old Mary activated her video doorbell and asked hesitantly, “Who is it?” “My name is Manny Pearson, ma’am. Your son, Jake, sent me. He’s in jail and needs bail money. No one else is answering their phone, so he asked me to come by and get a check from you. He needs $1,000…
This C.A.R. sponsored law creates a simple process for seniors or disabled homeowners to find information on how to apply for a parcel tax exemption. Existing law allows for the imposition of parcel taxes, which are special taxes assessed on individual pieces of property, to fund, among other things, education. Under current law, school districts may exempt seniors (65 years…
For many people, the proper care of beloved pets after their death is a significant concern. When clothing designer Karl Lagerfeld died recently, much was made about the fate of his long-time pet, a cat named Choupette. While Lagerfeld was alive, Choupette lived a lavish lifestyle. A team of maids were at her beck and call as she resided in…
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted last year, the federal lifetime gift and estate tax exemption doubled. Every year the lifetime gift tax exemption and estate tax exemption amounts are adjusted for inflation. For 2019, the exemption increased to $11.4 million for individuals and $22.8 million for married couples. That means, for example, that estates valued at less…
Recent changes in how real estate and real estate transfers are taxed in some California communities could have a significant impact on your estate plan. A hefty surcharge for possession of certain types of vacant properties, as well as an increased tax on real estate transactions, may require changes to the timing and method for gifting or otherwise transferring property…
