If you own real estate outside of California – maybe a cabin in Arizona, a rental in Nevada or a family home in another state – it’s worth asking one simple question: What happens to that property when I die? Many Californians assume their will or trust automatically...
Many people think estate planning is something only older adults or the wealthy need to worry about. The reality is that life can be unpredictable and even young adults should have a basic estate plan in place. College students, young couples – married or unmarried –...
For many Californians, pets are more than companions, they are beloved family members. But legally, pets are considered personal property under California law. This means that while a dog, cat or other animal cannot inherit money on its own, owners can make legal...
Estate planning can be complicated enough, but some clients push the limits with requests that are legally impossible, impractical or just plain risky. Estate planning attorneys have a professional duty to advise clients and, sometimes, to say “no.” And when they do,...
Many people believe signing estate planning documents is the final step in protecting their loved ones. You might hire a lawyer, work with a financial advisor or even use an online template or AI. Once the papers are signed and filed, you think the work is done. But...
Naming a living trust as beneficiary of a retirement account can solve real problems, provide creditor protection, control over timing of distributions and coordinating beneficiary rules with other assets, but it also introduces tax and administrative complexity....
