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New 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....
4 min read


Can 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...
7 min read


Choosing Successor Trustees
Choosing successor Trustees is one of the key decisions made when establishing a Living Trust. Consider these factors to choose wisely.
5 min read


Living Trusts and Refinancing
Pleasanton California Living Trust attorney explains what to expect when refinancing trust owned property.
4 min read


The Shift to Virtual Estate Planning
A successful virtual estate planning experience starts with a shift in mindset that in-person service is somehow superior (it isn't).
8 min read


How Much Does a Living Trust Cost?
A clear and transparent discussion of living trust cost in California, and the options available to create one.
6 min read


Thinking 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.
4 min read


Putting 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.
3 min read


Discussing Estate Planning Over Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity to discuss estate planning with family. Here are some tips for starting a successful conversation.
3 min read


Living Will vs Living Trust
A Living Will only covers one phase of life (Health Care), whereas a Living Trust covers three distinct phases in relation to your assets.
2 min read


Proposed California State Estate Tax Fails
Although many thought is would pass, Senate Bill 378 will not be appearing on the 2020 ballot. There are currently no California Death...
1 min read


Estate Planning with Alzheimer’s or Other Dementia
Estate planning often becomes top of mind when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia. Over the past year or so,...
3 min read


IRA Beneficiary Designations and Estate Planning
If you’re like most people, you opened that IRA many years ago. You may not have any idea who you named as your beneficiary. If you have...
2 min read


No-Contest Clauses in California
We may enjoy watching courtroom drama in movies, TV and on stage, but when it comes to our own lives, most people will do just about...
3 min read


Differences Between a Will and a Living Trust
There are many differences between a Will and a Living Trust. When clients begin the estate planning process, an initial decision to be...
3 min read


Where Should I Keep My Will and Trust?
Clients often ask where they should keep their Will and Trust. Although some people ask their attorney to hold the original documents of...
3 min read


What is Community Property in California?
Marital property in community property states is owned by both spouses equally, according to nj.com’s recent article, “Does this house...
2 min read


Advanced Estate Planning with Lifetime Gifts
There are a number of estate planning strategies that can help preserve your assets, promote the transfer of wealth, and lessen the tax...
3 min read


Using Portability in Estate Planning
When one spouse dies, it is generally recommended that the surviving spouse consider filing an Estate Tax return to elect portability.
2 min read


Estate Planning for Second Marriages (and Beyond)
There are a number of issues in that arise for estate planning in second marriages, as discussed in the article “Estate planning...
3 min read
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