You have heard the common estate planner saying, “make sure your beneficiary designation forms are filled out!” Yet, one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of the estate planning process is properly filling out a beneficiary designation form after creating an estate plan. Beneficiary designation forms are filled out for retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and even pensions…
As young adults embark on the journey toward independence, many significant milestones exist to celebrate. From securing your first job to getting married or purchasing a home, each milestone presents new opportunities and responsibilities. While estate planning might seem reserved for older individuals, it is a crucial step to take as soon as you reach certain key milestones. Below are…
When planning your estate, providing your trustee with essential passwords and information about your assets can save your loved ones significant time, stress, and legal hurdles (expense!) in creating a seamless trust administration after you become incapacitated or pass away. Proper preparation ensures your estate is managed smoothly and according to your wishes. Below are the top 10 types of…
One of the noteworthy pieces of legislation passed in 2024 was Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016), which aims to address accessibility, efficiency, and fairness within California’s probate procedures. Probate is the court process through which a deceased person’s assets are administered and distributed to beneficiaries and heirs. It can be a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process. AB 2016 seeks to…
As the cooler weather dawns upon us, we cannot help but feel the nostalgia of the Holiday season looming in the distance. The Holidays inevitably bring together loved ones from all over to share in the celebration of family, gratitude, and the togetherness of people from near and far. Because having all your loved ones under the same roof is…
How to Protect Separate Property in Estate Planning Estate planning in California can be complex, significantly when differentiating between separate and community property. This distinction is crucial for ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. In this blog post, we’ll focus on individual property, what it entails, how it is handled in California estate planning, and the steps…
Why Do I Have to Do a Probate When I Have a Trust? As an estate planning attorney, one of my least favorite conversations with a new client starts with me saying “I’m so sorry, but unfortunately, even though you have a trust, we are going to have to do a probate.” Clients are surprised to learn that this can…
The Importance of a Revocable Living Trust for the Sandwich Generation Financial planning can feel like a never-ending balancing act for members of the Sandwich Generation—those simultaneously caring for aging parents and supporting their children. This dual role can be incredibly demanding, both emotionally and financially. Financial resources can be stretched thin between paying for their children’s education, managing household…
Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act: A Guide for Estate Planning Clients The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, represents a significant shift in corporate regulatory compliance. As an estate planning attorney, it is crucial to ensure that my clients are aware of this legislation and understand how it may…
Many couples are choosing to wait longer to get married, or choosing to not get married at all while sharing a life and co-owning property together. Estate planning can be especially important for unmarried couples in these situations. While marriage offers certain legal protections, unmarried couples face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning, particularly with jointly owned assets…
