As part of comprehensive estate planning in California, many clients consider not only wills, trusts and advance health care directives, but also funeral arrangements and prepaid cemetery plots. These arrangements can provide peace of mind, financial security and...
Estate Planning
Estate Planning
Estate Planning: Estate planning in California when one spouse is not a U.S. citizen
Estate planning in California is important for every married couple, but it becomes even more critical when one spouse is not a U.S. citizen. California’s community property laws and federal estate tax rules create unique challenges that can affect how assets pass to...
Estate Planning: When divorce and death collide — What happens to a California estate?
When someone dies in the middle of a divorce in California, handling their estate isn’t as simple as it might seem. Families often face tough questions: Who gets what? Which court is in charge? And how do unfinished divorce proceedings affect the division of property...
Estate Planning: Why your trust isn’t enough — What happens when property isn’t funded
You created a revocable living trust and think you are covered. You might be wrong. The most important step after signing your trust is funding – the process of transferring your assets into the trust. Without this step, the trust may not control everything you...
Advance Directive vs POLST: Know the Key Differences
When it comes to planning for future medical care, two documents often create confusion: the Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment). While both are important, they serve different purposes. Understanding how...
Estate Planning: Community vs. separate property in California estate planning
When it comes to estate planning in California, one of the most important things to understand is the difference between community property and separate property. Because California is one of only a handful of community property states, how your property is classified...





