Not all California family members get along with each other. However, the last thing most parents want is for their passing away to exacerbate the situation among their children. That doesn't mean you must treat them equally, but you should avoid surprising them when...
Bay Area Estate And Tax Planning Law Firm
Estate Planning
What to Look for in an Attorney-in-fact
When you search for an attorney-in-fact, you’ll want to be careful. Your attorney-in-fact is responsible for performing financial transactions on your behalf. Because they have such an enormous responsibility, it is critical that you choose a responsible, ethical...
When to get an advance directive in California
Advance directives are an important estate planning tool for California residents. They allow you to give instructions for how your health should be handled if you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. Many residents hesitate to create an advance directive before...
Living trusts and tax returns: What you need to know
Estate planning in California is critical to preparing for your future and protecting your assets. Understanding the different types of trusts available to you and how they may affect your tax return can help you make informed decisions about estate planning. Living...
Why you need to pay attention to beneficiary designations
California residents seeking an easy way to leave assets to their heirs frequently select financial instruments that designate beneficiaries who will receive the assets if the owner dies. However, some people make the mistake of not looking at these designations after...
How to avoid mistakes when filing a California small estate affidavit
One way to quickly and efficiently transfer inherited property in California is by using the state's small estate affidavit. If you are the heir to a loved one's estate, it’s best to begin filing such an affidavit as soon as possible. Small estates This affidavit was...
The cost of setting up a trust
Many California residents want to set up a trust for estate planning purposes. However, others who would like to set up a trust do not do it because they are worried that the expense of doing so is more than they can afford. Here are some facts about setting up a...
Estate planning is essential when you operate a tech startup
If you're a tech entrepreneur in California operating a startup, utilizing estate planning is essential. Doing so protects your assets, clarifies who will run your company if you die, protects employees and helps reduce taxes. Creating an estate plan offers...
FLPs and LLCs discount asset values to reduce estate taxation
Affluent families in California have a strong interest in reducing their tax obligations through estate planning. A couple or a family could form a family limited partnership (FLP) or limited liability company (LLC) to manage estate gifts and asset transfers in a...
Learning about the survivor’s trust
Married couples in California can minimize estate taxes and gain more control over future disbursements of their assets by setting up an AB trust. This legal arrangement is common when the married couple’s estate value exceeds the remaining estate tax exemption. The...