“You get what you pay for.” We’ve all heard it. And while that phrase might not apply to every area of life, it’s certainly true when it comes to estate planning. When the stakes involve your family, your home, your assets, [...]
Planning for a loved one with special needs isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about creating a structure of protection, support, and sustainability that can last a lifetime. If you’ve been exploring the idea of a Special Needs Trust (SNT), you’ve likely [...]
Estate planning is one of those things that many people either put off for years or assume they’ve got covered—until something unexpected happens. Unfortunately, misconceptions about estate planning are everywhere. Whether it’s misunderstandings about taxes, assumptions about what happens to assets [...]
Trusts can be powerful estate planning tools, but once a trust becomes irrevocable—often when the grantor passes away—administering it can be challenging. As the trustee, you are responsible for ensuring the trust’s terms are met, handling taxes and record-keeping, and distributing [...]
Leaving real property—whether it’s a long-held family home or a lucrative rental—in your children’s hands sounds simple in theory. You might assume they’ll just inherit it and carry on. In reality, California’s tax laws (including Proposition 19), local reassessment rules, and [...]
Making crucial healthcare decisions can be a challenge under the best circumstances, and it’s even more daunting during a medical crisis. In California, two vital legal tools help ensure your health care preferences are followed if you become unable to speak [...]
For individuals with disabilities, government assistance programs like Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) serve as essential lifelines. These programs provide crucial financial support and access to healthcare services. However, without proper [...]
When people think about estate planning, many immediately focus on wills. But what many don’t realize is that trusts offer far more flexibility, control, and tax advantages. Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy—there are several different types of trusts that can [...]
Planning for the future: this phrase has different connotations for everyone. For some, the future seems uncertain - and for others, the process can seem overwhelming. Although it’s true that you can’t control your future, you can plan ahead to provide [...]
Medi-Cal, which is California’s Medicaid program, has been in place for almost 60 years; during this time, it has gone through a number of changes. In 2024, some significant changes occurred that will make it easier for people with disabilities to [...]