Over the years I have seen clients struggle to get access to a parent’s safe deposit box after death. More than once, this seemingly simple task required us to open a probate proceeding in court, even though the deceased parent had set up a revocable trust to avoid probate. I’ve said this before: telling a client we have to do…
If your mom (or dad) has a revocable living trust and has now been diagnosed with dementia or another condition affecting mental capacity, the successor trustee is going to have to step. If that is you, you need to understand your responsibilities and take them seriously. Many people in this situation feel overwhelmed, scared of making a mistake, and unsure…
With the threat of a “sunset” at the end of this year of the current high federal estate tax exemption back to $5 million, adjusted for inflation, many people across the country are no longer concerned about planning to avoid or minimize estate taxes. However, in the Bay area, there are still many families who do have taxable estates and…
When most people think about Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne, they probably envision iconic moments from the wrestling ring or heavy metal stage, not wills, trusts, or estate planning. But these two late celebrities, who both passed away in July 2025, each had unique family dynamics and high-profile personal lives. Their deaths offer surprising lessons in estate planning from which…
Parents often create a revocable living trust to ensure that their children are provided for upon their deaths. However, parents may struggle to decide how to leave an inheritance to their children and how much control they wish to exercise after their deaths. This is especially the case when parents have young children or children who struggle with financial responsibility.…
Summer is here! A California summer is all about sunshine, relaxation, and maybe even checking off some those to-do list items you’ve been putting off. While you are sorting out travel plans and backyard BBQs, it may be the perfect time to tackle something equally important to you and your family: your estate plan. Creating a solid estate plan isn’t…
For older adults, deciding to sell a longtime home is rarely just about real estate—it’s often about closing a chapter, managing complex emotions, and navigating financial, legal, and logistical changes all at once. While most real estate agents can list a home, only some are trained to walk seniors through this kind of life transition with the sensitivity and support…