One of the most common questions families ask when creating an estate plan is, “Will my heirs have to pay taxes on what they inherit?” Fortunately, for most Californians, the answer is no. California does not impose a state inheritance tax or a state estate tax. In...
Estate Planning
Estate Planning
Estate Planning: Trust administration vs. probate in California—Understanding the difference
When a loved one passes away, families are often faced with the task of settling the decedent's affairs and transferring assets to beneficiaries. In California, this process generally occurs through either trust administration or probate. While both serve the purpose...
Estate Planning: Reverse mortgages and estate planning in California
A reverse mortgage can be a helpful financial tool for some older homeowners, but it also creates important estate planning issues that families often do not fully understand until after death or incapacity. In California, a reverse mortgage allows homeowners who are...
Estate Planning: What happens to a mortgage in California when someone dies?
One of the most common questions families ask after a loved one dies is: “What happens to the mortgage?” Many people worry the bank will immediately foreclose or demand full payment if the borrower has passed away. Fortunately, that is usually not how it works. When...
Estate Planning: What happens to a mortgage in California when someone dies?
One of the most common questions families ask after a loved one dies is: “What happens to the mortgage?” Many people worry the bank will immediately foreclose or demand full payment if the borrower has passed away. Fortunately, that is usually not how it works. When...
Estate Planning: What happens to your business if something happens to you?
Tax season gives business owners one rare thing: a clear picture of what the business actually earns. But there’s an equally important question most owners never ask during that window: What happens to the business if you suddenly can’t show up tomorrow? Not because...





