While there isn’t necessarily a need to draft estate planning documents differently from heterosexual spouses, LGBTQ+ couples should make a pointed effort to review their existing estate planning documents, especially those drafted before 2015. You want to be sure...
A: It’s definitely a topic worth discussing with an estate planning attorney! Did you know that the estate tax exclusion is currently at a record-high of $11.7 million per person? However, it is widely expected that this number will not be this high for much longer....
A: Yes, you can! However, will your DIY plan work when you are gone? The American Bar Association has a very informative and eloquent response to this question in their article about DIY estate planning. According to the article, "A Will must meet requirements for...
Most people want their families to receive as much of their wealth as possible after they die. Some people might think that since their estates are below the federal exemption amount of $11.58 million for estate taxes that they do not need to worry about creating a...
A: Yes! If you don't have an estate plan, now is the time to create one. If you do have an estate plan, you should carefully consider whether it needs to be updated in light of your new marriage. Complicated community property laws and inheritance laws can frustrate...
A: There are many ways to handle this. If you are confident that your children will not have negative feelings regarding the contents of your estate plan, it can be helpful to share your current documents with them so that they know what to do after you have passed....
A: Yes! In fact, married California property owners have had a chance to hold title as Community Property with Right of Survivorship since 2001; it offers all the benefits of survivorship combined with the tremendous tax advantages associated with the “double step-up”...
No one wants to think about their own mortality, as end-of-life issues understandably bring anxiety for most people as well as their beloved family members. But making and talking about these plans while you’re mentally and physically able can actually bring peace of...
A: If your trust was set up over 10 years ago, it may need to be updated to avoid unnecessary costs and administrative work after you or your spouse passes. Trusts created before 2011 were often set up as "A/B Trusts" that must be split into two separate trusts after...
A: Spoiler alert: No, California probates are still excruciatingly expensive and long court procedures, which is why probate avoidance through a living trust is such a valuable planning tool in California. Feel free to reach out to us ([nap_phone...
