Estate Planning

Becoming a parent changes more than your daily routine. It also changes what is at stake if something unexpected happens. Many young families focus on diapers, daycare and saving for a home. However, a will can answer one of the most important questions a parent may...

While blended families are built on love and commitment, they also present unique estate planning challenges for California residents. Standard estate plans often miss the dynamics of remarriages and stepfamilies and can cause unexpected consequences or family...

Many people think that creating an estate plan only involves writing a last will. While this document can ensure that their assets can be passed down to their heirs upon their passing, there are other estate planning tools that individuals can utilize to enhance their...

Starting a family often changes how you think about the future. You may now be focusing on your child, your home and the life you want to build. In the same way, California law can affect what happens to your property and your children if you pass away without a plan....

Digital assets play a role in your daily life, from email and photos to online banking and social media. When you create an estate plan in California, you need to think about how these assets transfer and who can manage them. Without clear instructions, access...

Blended families are common, but estate planning can get complicated when stepchildren are involved. In California, stepchildren don’t automatically inherit from a stepparent unless they are specifically included in the estate plan or meet certain exceptions. If you...

Estate planning in California changed when Proposition 19 passed. This law impacts how property is transferred between parents and children, and it can affect the taxes owed. If you own a home or other real estate, you need to understand how this law shapes what...

If you have a minor child, it’s essential to plan for who will take care of them if you are ever unable to. It can be emotionally challenging to accept such a scenario, but it can happen. Naming someone to continue raising your child can give you peace of mind. But...

A healthcare directive guides others on your medical decisions if you can’t speak for yourself. Making one empowers you and gives your loved ones clarity. But life changes can affect your wishes. That means checking in on your directive regularly matters. Without...

If you are a San Diego resident who is contemplating their estate-planning decisions, one option you may want to consider is establishing a Totten trust for one or more of your heirs. If you’re unfamiliar with the term “Totten trust,” you may have heard it referenced...