High school graduation is an exciting milestone—a time of celebration, transition, and new beginnings. As families prepare their graduates for college, travel, or entering the workforce, one critical topic is often overlooked: estate planning. While young adults may not have substantial assets, they do have legal and medical rights that need protection. Why Estate Planning […]
Planning for Families
The Role of a Caregiver in Estate Planning for Someone with Parkinson’s
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease is a profound responsibility, requiring not only emotional and physical support but also careful financial and legal planning. Estate planning plays a crucial role in ensuring that both the person with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are prepared for the future. As a caregiver, your involvement in the […]
5 Signs You Need an Estate Plan Now (Even If You Think You Don’t)
Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy or those approaching retirement. However, life has a way of throwing unexpected situations our way. Without a plan in place, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, delays, and legal complications. If any of the following scenarios sound familiar, it’s time to take action—before it’s […]
What to Do If a Family Member Disagrees with Your Estate Plan – Managing Potential Disputes
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. However, even the most well-thought-out plans can sometimes lead to disagreements among family members. If you’re concerned about potential disputes over your estate plan, there are steps […]
New California Laws in 2025: What You Need to Know for Your Estate, Business, and Family
A new year always brings change, and 2025 is no exception. This year, California has enacted more laws affecting estate planning, taxes, business owners, and families than ever before. With so many updates, it can be overwhelming to keep up. But don’t worry—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Below are some key legal changes […]
How an Advanced Healthcare Directive Honors Your Voice and Your Wishes
How an Advanced Healthcare Directive Honors Your Voice and Your Wishes Life is unpredictable, and while we can’t foresee every challenge or emergency, we can make sure our voices are heard when it matters most. One of the best ways to ensure your wishes are honored is through an Advanced Healthcare Directive. This important document […]
How to Utilize Your Healthcare Directive in an Emergency: What Your Agents Should Know
When an emergency strikes, having a healthcare directive in place is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your medical wishes are honored. A healthcare directive, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you’re unable to communicate or make […]
The Luckiest Gift: A Young Adult Emergency Plan for Your College-Aged Child
As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children—whether they’re young and at home or grown and navigating life on their own. While we may feel like our kids are ready to face the world as they head off to college or begin their careers, there’s an often-overlooked aspect of their future that […]
The Estate Tax Sunset in 2026: Why Proactive Planning Matters
Major changes are on the horizon for estate planning. On January 1, 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is set to drop significantly, which means more families could face a substantial tax burden on their estates. If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently, now is the time to take action. Proactive planning is essential […]
Planning for the Unthinkable: Essential Tools for Parents of Minor Children
Approximately three-fourths of Americans do not have a basic will. Many of the same people also have children under the age of 18, which underscores a major misunderstanding about estate plans: They can accomplish much more than just handling financial assets (money, accounts, and property). One of the most important estate plan functions for parents […]
AB Trusts—Do You Need to Get Rid of Yours?
If the last time you and your spouse updated your estate plan was more than a decade ago, your estate plan may contain what is sometimes referred to as AB trust planning, which, until 2011, was the only way married couples could take advantage of both spouses’ federal estate tax exemptions. An AB trust structure […]
3 Asset Protection Tips You Can Use Now
A common misconception is that only wealthy individuals and people in high-risk professions, such as doctors or lawyers, need an asset protection plan. However, anyone can be sued. A car accident, foreclosure, unpaid medical bills, or an injured tenant can result in a monetary judgment that could crush your finances. What Is Asset Protection Planning? […]
Successor Trustee 101: Their Crucial Role in Managing Your Trust
When creating a revocable living trust, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a successor trustee. This person (or institution) will step in to manage the trust’s assets if you become incapacitated or after you pass away. But what exactly does a successor trustee do? What Is a Successor Trustee? A successor […]
Can Love (or Greed) Break a Trust? How to Prevent Disputes After You’re Gone
When it comes to estate planning, most people hope their legacy will bring their loved ones together, not drive them apart. Unfortunately, money can complicate relationships, and even the strongest family bonds can fracture when an inheritance is at stake. Love, greed, and differing expectations can all play a role in trust disputes—but there are […]
Estate Planning Through the Ages: How Your Plan Should Evolve Over Time
Estate planning isn’t a one-time task—it’s a lifelong process that should adapt to your changing circumstances. Your needs in your 20s will look vastly different from those in your 40s, 60s, and beyond. No matter your age, having a well-thought-out estate plan ensures that your loved ones are protected, your wishes are honored, and your […]
The Fine Line Between Caregiving and Financial Abuse: How Estate Planning Helps Protect Seniors
Aging brings new challenges, and for many seniors, relying on others for help becomes a necessity. Family members, close friends, or hired caregivers often step in to assist with daily tasks, medical needs, and financial responsibilities. While many caregivers are trustworthy and dedicated, the unfortunate reality is that elder financial abuse is on the rise. […]
Your Estate Plan, Your Story: What Will Yours Say?
Imagine your estate plan as the final chapter of your story—a legacy that speaks long after you’re gone. Every life is a collection of experiences, lessons, and values, and your estate plan is the last opportunity to ensure that your story is told the way you want it to be. It’s not just about distributing […]
Estate Planning That Expresses Who You Are: 5 Things to Talk About with Your Family
You intend to pass along your hard-earned money and property through your estate plan, but what about your wisdom? Ensuring that you successfully pass all of this along may call for a family meeting to discuss your finances, your legacy, and your core principles. Most families lead busy lives, with many relatives seeing one another […]
Important Legacy Questions You Should Answer in Your Estate Plan
When beginning any type of planning, you usually start with some preliminary questions. Estate planning is no different. When you begin the process, your estate planning attorney will likely ask about your family members, the accounts and property you own, and whom you want to include in your estate plan. As you dive deeper into […]
Did Matthew Perry get his estate planning right? The answer might surprise you.
He was worth $120 million, yet his probate estate only had $1.6 million. How? Because most of his wealth was protected in a trust, keeping it private and out of court. But even with solid planning, a few small missteps forced some assets into probate, making them public. So, did he do the right thing? […]