When people think about estate planning, they often focus on wills, trusts and who inherits what. But planning is about far more than property. It also addresses medical decisions – those moments when you can’t speak for yourself and someone else must step in. A...
Portability is an important concept in estate planning that can help married couples maximize their federal estate tax exemptions. In simple terms, portability allows the unused portion of a deceased spouse’s federal estate tax exemption to pass to the surviving...
A friend recently shared a conversation she had with “Carol,” a long-time acquaintance. They caught up on many topics, but eventually the discussion turned to Carol’s home and family situation. What followed was surprising, though it’s something estate planners see...
If someone passes away in California without a will or trust, the law says they have died intestate. When that happens, state law – not the person – decides who gets the property. This process, called intestate succession, is handled through probate court....
Family businesses often represent more than financial success; they embody trust, shared values and a legacy passed through generations. In California, estate planning that includes a family business requires careful attention to fiduciary duties and formal agreements...
When settling an estate, personal representatives often encounter piles of outdated electronics – old TVs, stereo equipment, odd-looking computers, even boxes of random parts. Most of it looks like junk. But appearances can be deceiving. In one cautionary tale, a...
