5 minHow Can Life Insurance Be Used In Estate Planning?Life insurance is a great tool for estate planning. However, there are nuances that sometimes get overlooked which, if left unchecked,...
4 minThe Flexible Estate Tax Planning Trust "In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin When it comes to estate taxes (otherwise referred to as...
2 minTrusts and the Above 200k Income ProblemTips on avoiding proposed taxes on income over $200,000 for trusts that that are taxed separately from the trust's grantor/creator.
2 minEstate Tax Reform Missing from Current PlanInstead of focusing on estate tax reform, or the "billionaire tax," the current focus proposes increased taxes on incomes over 10 million.
2 minHere We Go Again - Estate Tax Exemption May Be Reduced Come Next YearBill provisions reduce the Estate Tax Exemption from $11.7 Million down to $5 Million adjusted for inflation. effective next year.
4 minWho Should Have a Copy of My Trust?Here are four simple and practical tips to lay a proper foundation for future accessibility and use of your living trust based estate plan.
3 minHow Biden's New Proposed Tax Plan Affects Estate Planning Biden's American Families Plan did not include provisions to expand estate taxes, and instead focused on capital gains.
2 minWhat Happens to My Mortgage When I Die? When a family member inherits a deceased person's home, they typically have rights and options relating to the existing mortgage.
5 minYou've Signed Your Trust, Now What?It is critical that your assets be properly integrated with your living trust. Here's how to do it.
3 minMoving Over 55? The Silver Lining of Prop 19 There has been a lot of talk lately about estate planning with California real estate after the passage of Prop 19, with the focus being...
3 minHow Prop 19 Changes Estate PlanningProp 19 has significantly narrowed the parent-child exclusion. Consider Making Transfers of California Real Estate by February 15, 2021.
4 minElection Result Could Warrant Making Gifts Now Instead of at DeathPeople are eager to look into ways to gift away assets now, taking advantage of the current gift and estate tax exemption.
4 minNew Law Increases Asset Protection for California Homeowners California law allows homeowners to protect a certain amount of equity in their homes from if they are sued or file for bankruptcy....
7 minCan a Living Trust be Electronically Signed and Remotely Notarized?The COVID 19 pandemic has created a perfect storm. On one hand, the demand for trust and estate planning has surged. It seems as though...
5 minChoosing Successor TrusteesChoosing successor Trustees is one of the key decisions made when establishing a Living Trust. Consider these factors to choose wisely.
4 minLiving Trusts and Refinancing Pleasanton California Living Trust attorney explains what to expect when refinancing trust owned property.
8 minThe Shift to Virtual Estate PlanningA successful virtual estate planning experience starts with a shift in mindset that in-person service is somehow superior (it isn't).
6 minHow Much Does a Living Trust Cost?A clear and transparent discussion of living trust cost in California, and the options available to create one.
4 minThinking About Estate Planning Lately? You're Not Alone Estate planning is top of mind lately. This post explains what the fuss is about and how to get your estate planning crossed off your list.
3 minPutting Bank Accounts Into a Trust, or Not?Know when and why it is best to title your bank accounts inside your living trust so you can make the best decision for yourself.