When it comes to estate planning, we find that many of our clients want to divide their entire estate equally among their children. Unfortunately, this presents a challenge after death for a variety of reasons – especially when real estate is involved. And now that Prop 19 has passed in California, there are even more complications and things to consider.…
This seems like a simple question, right? My retirement goes to the person I listed as my beneficiary (spouse, kids, etc.). Most of the time this is true, yet we also get a fair share of people having to file a probate for an IRA or having to request the court to allow someone to set up a special…
You may or may not already have your estate planned for when you die, but did you know that you can also make gifting your assets while you are alive a part of your estate plan? Most people are aware that you, as an individual, can gift up to $15,000 per year to any other individual without having to…
As family members age, we often find other members becoming involved in caregiving and decision-making. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to conflict as communication and relationships deteriorate in disagreement over an issue that impacts the older adult or the family as a whole. In these cases, it can be helpful to have a qualified third party ask the right questions…
Estate planning is not just for seniors. Ideally, as soon as you turn eighteen you should have some version of an estate plan because your parents are no longer automatically able to make decisions or act on your behalf. There are several reasons to create a power of attorney for finances once you turn eighteen. For example, the military helps…
Natalie scrunched up the letter in her hand and tossed it into the trash. “Thanks for nothing, Uncle Fred.” Her husband, John, frowned. “Bad news?” Natalie shrugged. “Remember when Uncle Fred said he was going to pay the college tuition for all his nieces and nephews?” “Sure, we figured that into our financial plan. It will be a big help.”…
Many people set up estate plans because they are concerned with having to pay estate or “death” taxes. Currently, if someone dies in 2020, their estate is taxed by the Federal government for every dollar their estate is over $11,580,000. California does not currently impose any estate taxes. But what happens if you own property in another state? What if…
Now that we’ve settled into somewhat of a new normal for the time being, people are thinking about getting things in order. There is still a sense of urgency, but many are taking the time to review their estate plans to make sure everything is in place, or are taking steps to put a new plan in place. In California,…
It’s no secret that our most vulnerable population during this COVID-19 pandemic has been our seniors and older adults. They need extra protection and closer oversight because of the isolation they have been put in. The questions that remain include things like, “Who is there to make sure necessary care doesn’t fall through the cracks?” “How can I stay in…
