How to Name Beneficiaries of Your Retirement Plans
Don't jam it up. Effective strategies for naming beneficiaries of your retirement plans to ensure a smooth transition for your loved ones.
Blog
Last Chance for Your Parent's Estate Plan
Will your parent's estate plan work?
California Proposition 19: the Aftermath
Four years later and California's Prop 19 is still with us.
estate planning
Should a Spouse in California File Form 706 for Portability After Their Spouse Dies? A California Estate Planning Guide
Why a surviving spouse in California should consider filing Form 706 for portability to maximize estate tax benefits and future-proof their legacy.
estate planning
Understanding California’s AB 2016 and How It Impacts Small Estates Starting April 1, 2025
Learn how California's AB 2016 simplifies probate for small estates but why a living trust still offers the best protection for your assets and heirs.
estate planning
Estate Tax Reform Under the Trump Administration: What California Families Need to Know
How potential changes to federal estate tax laws under the Trump administration could impact California families and their estate planning strategies.
taxes
Wait and See: The Impact of President Trump’s Proposed Tax Plan on Estate and Gift Taxes
Trump’s proposed tax plan aims to extend current estate and gift tax exemptions.
advisors
Financial Advisors: How to Keep the Next Generation Client
Five questions for financial advisors that can make or break your chances of maintaining the accounts with the next generation.
estate planning
Is Your California Estate Planning Up To Date?
2025 update on Trump's estate and gift tax, California homeowner's insurance, updating your beneficiary designations, the importance of updating your...
estate planning
2025 California Estate Planning - The Basics, What You Need to Know
The basics of California estate planning, including living trusts, probate avoidance, trust administration and how to finally get your estate plan...
Merry Christmas
God Bless Us Every One
estate planning
Marley Had an Up To Date and Solid Estate Plan
Marley's estate plan named Scrooge his successor trustee, executor and beneficiary.
estate planning
Handwritten Amendments Don't Work
If you value your family and wishes, you need to follow the rules to amend your living trust.
estate planning
Lord Voldemort and Avoiding the Trust Fund Baby
Learn how to prevent your children from becoming trust fund babies by modeling wise money management and gifting during your lifetime.
estate planning
Your Last Chance to Rescue Your Parent's Estate, and How to Fund a Living Trust
Estate planning is crucial for your parents and you, and time may be running out.
newsletter
California Estate Planning Newsletter
The election's impact on the estate tax, how to title your brokerage accounts, California asset protection and the Dodgers and Giants.
taxes
Estate Tax and the 2024 Election
This article explains what the estate tax could be after the 2024 election and what it has been in past years.
estate planning
Does a California Surviving Spouse Have to Pay Her Deceased Spouse's Debt?
Whether a California surviving spouse must pay her deceased spouse's debts depends on California community property laws and debt classification.
estate planning
How to Amend Your California Living Trust
The California Supreme Court's ruling in Haggerty v. Thornton simplifies the process of amending living trusts in California.
estate planning
Do You Need an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust?
Learn about Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) for estate planning in California, their benefits, and considerations to determine if they fit...
estate planning
Big Banks Don't Like You and Don't Like Estate Planning
Big banks want your money but not you, and they don't want to deal with your estate plan.
estate planning
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Do Your California Estate Planning
Learn why procrastinating on estate planning in California can lead to a legal and financial mess.
Clark's estate planning notes
Clark's Estate Planning Notes
Clark's comments on estate planning, including how to anticipate and plan around potential estate planning problems.
estate planning
Unmarried Couples Should Not Use Joint Living Trusts
Unmarried couples need separate living trusts, not joint living trusts. Learn about the planning differences between unmarried and married couples.
taxes
What is the Capital Gains Tax When You Sell Your Home: California v. Tennessee
Understanding the capital gains tax when selling your California home, including federal and state tax, step-up basis, and California withholding tax.
estate planning
California Joint Tenancy Proportional Interest Transfer Rule
Learn about the California Joint Tenancy Proportional Interest Transfer Rule, Prop 19, and the implications of owning your home with your parent.
estate planning
Clark's Random Notes on California Estate Planning
Estate planning insights from Clark Allison on trust fund babies, decision making, property tax reassessment, ADU planning, dogs, and Charles Dickens.
trust administration
Trustee's Duty to Beneficiaries in a California Trust Administration
Learn about trustee obligations to provide financials and documents to living trust beneficiaries in a California trust administration.
virtual estate planning
California Estate Planning Made Easy With Virtual Estate Planning
Avoid the hassle of traditional estate planning and work with an attorney you will like virtually from the comfort of your home.
estate planning
25 Estate Planning Life Hacks from a 25 Year Estate Planning Attorney
Learn valuable estate planning life hacks from a seasoned estate planning attorney to protect your assets, family, and legacy.
estate planning
Don't Give Away Your Home to Your New Love
Protect your home and children. Learn how to create a Residence Trust in your living trust for your new spouse or significant other's occupancy.
taxes
California Joint Tenancy and Property Tax
California's joint ownership rules are complicated and could trigger an increased property tax.
estate planning
Beneficiaries You Don't Even Know
Make an impact with your living trust beneficiaries.
estate planning
A California Estate Plan Guide and Checklist for Your Parents
How to talk to your parents about their estate planning.
taxes
Using a QCD Can Ghost Your RMD
If you are giving to charity, give your RMD, and reduce your taxable income.
estate planning
Be Smart When Helping Your Parent with Her Finances
Protect yourself when helping your parent.
estate planning
Do You Need to File a Gift Tax Return?
When you should file a gift tax return (IRS Form 709).
trust administration
California Trust Administration - What Is It?
What you need to do when your loved one dies with a California living trust?
estate planning
How We Run Our California Estate Planning Law Firm
We are committed to California, and estate planning and trust administration are all we do.
estate planning
How to Set Up Your California Estate Plan
You need a California estate plan. Our attorneys will make it pleasant and easy.
estate planning
Have Your Parents Done Their Estate Planning?
Your parents need an updated living trust estate plan to avoid conservatorship and probate.
estate planning
Marley Had an Up To Date and Solid Estate Plan
Marley's estate plan named Scrooge his successor trustee, executor and beneficiary.
life
How to Find a Career You Will Love
Two steps to find a career you will love. Find a career aligned with the life you want and find ways to make the work fit the life you want.
taxes
2024 Gift and Estate Tax Exemption
The Estate and Gift Tax Exemption and Annual Gift Exclusion 1997-2024.
estate planning
Why Leave Your Children an Inheritance?
If you have the means, would you get more joy out of giving while you are alive?
estate planning
Don't Name Your Living Trust as IRA Beneficiary
Keep It Simple. Name Individuals as Your IRA Beneficiaries.
charitable gifts
7 Ways to Make Charitable Gifts
Giving helps others, reduces your taxes, and as a bonus, lifts your soul.
true estate case
Don't Let Your Uncle Secretly Marry His Estate Planning Attorney
Predatory marriages are on the rise.
estate planning
7 Reasons Why a Living Trust is Better Than a Transfer on Death Deed
Be careful. Transfer on death deeds are not the quick fix some think they are.
estate planning
A Letter to My Dad's Financial Planner
Your clients lean on you for their estate planning. This is a big responsibility, and if it's not done right, the consequences are dire.
estate planning
How to Avoid Probate Without a Living Trust
It may be more difficult and riskier than simply using a living trust.
estate planning
Five of the Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes
Avoid these estate planning mistakes to protect your family and assets.
estate planning
Estate Planning: When Is It Too Late?
When your parent is no longer mentally competent, it's too late for their estate planning.
Tired of Paying Taxes on Your RMDs?
Using a Qualified Charitable Deduction will reduce your taxes and help your favorite charity.
estate planning
Avoid Surprises in Your Estate Plan
To keep the good vibes with your family legacy, don't drop a bomb on your estate plan.
estate planning
Why You Need an Estate Planning Attorney
Discover why using an estate planning attorney is crucial for securing your financial and family legacy.
estate planning
Am I an Executor or a Trustee?
Definition of estate planning terms: Trustee, Executor, Agent, Grantor and Beneficiary
estate planning
The #1 Reason People Don't Do Estate Planning
Estate planning does not have to be complicated. We make it simple.
video
Protect Your Children's Inheritance from Divorce
You should include asset protection trusts in your living trust to protect your children's inheritance.
video
Make Sure Your Parents Have an Updated Living Trust
If your parents do not have a living trust, you will suffer the consequences. If you can, you need to encourage them to do their estate planning.
video
What If I Don't Have an Estate Plan?
What Happens If I Am a California Resident and I Don't Have a Will or Living Trust?
estate planning
California No Contest Clause
California courts may not always enforce a no contest clause, but a no contest clause can still be an effective way to block a lawsuit.
estate planning
California Estate Planning Taxes
California estate planning requires an understanding of estate, gift, capital gains, and property taxes.
estate planning
How to Help Your Parent as She Gets Older
Your older parent may need help with her finances and living trust estate plan.
true estate case
A Few Hours Will Change Your Family's Life
You love your family and you've worked so hard. Don't let it end badly.
true estate case
Don't Let Your Dad Marry Your Sister
Elder abuse by marriage? The strange case of California State Senator Ralph Dills
estate planning
Banks Don't Like Durable Powers of Attorney
Why banks struggle to accept durable powers of attorney
estate planning
How to Name Your IRA Beneficiaries
Naming primary and contingent beneficiaries of your IRA is an essential part of your estate plan
estate planning
Why You Need a Financial Advisor for Estate Planning
Financial Advisors are the secret sauce that makes your estate plan work
estate planning
Recapture the Stretch-Out IRA with a CRT as Beneficiary of Your IRA
Maximize your IRA for your children with a Charitable Remainder Trust
estate planning
Beware of the Bypass Trust in Your Living Trust
You may need to amend your living trust if it has a bypass trust provision
estate planning
How Married Couples Can Divide Their Living Trust Assets
All to the surviving spouse, or to bypass trust or QTIP trust?
estate planning
2023 Gift and Estate Tax Exemption
2023 gift and estate tax exemption and annual gift exclusion. How much can you gift without a gift tax?
estate planning
How to Fund Your California Living Trust Checklist
How to transfer your assets to your California Living Trust to avoid probate
estate planning
How to Choose a Successor Trustee
Choosing the right successor trustee for your living trust
estate planning
California Estate Planning
An overview on estate planning. Why to do it. How to do it. When to do it.
estate planning
Why Funding Your Trust Is Important and How to Do It
A brief overview of how to fund your living trust
estate planning
Heggstad Petition - How to Avoid Probate
If you don't transfer your assets to your living trust, but you have a writing expressing your intent to do so, then your successor trustee can file...
trust administration
California Trust Administration Checklist
Checklist of what a trustee should do during trust administration
trust administration
California Trust Administration
If you have a living trust, your trustee must begin the trust administration when you pass away.
estate planning
Should You Use a Professional Trustee?
Using a Professional Trustee or Fiduciary is a good choice if you don't have family members or friends who can be your successor Trustee
estate planning
How to Avoid California Probate with a Revocable Living Trust
California Probate is time consuming and expensive. A Revocable living trust will help your family avoid probate.
estate planning
California Asset Protection Trust
A Revocable Living Trust will help you avoid probate, but adding asset protection trust provisions will significantly protect your children's...
estate planning
California Probate
California probate is complicated, time-consuming and very expensive. A typical California probate could take 18 months and cost more than $50,000 in...
estate planning
How to Create Your California Estate Plan
You have many options on how to set up your estate plan - DIY estate planning websites, traditional law firm or work with an attorney virtually
taxes
New IRS Regulation Allows 5 Years to Elect Portability
The IRS just issued Revenue Procedure 2022-32, which allows a surviving spouse to elect "portability." Read on to find out what this means for you.
estate planning
How To Choose An Estate Planning Attorney
An estate planning attorney will create a plan that eliminates stress and serves your needs. This guide will help you choose an estate planning...
10 Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what to watch out for will help you avoid the most common estate planning mistakes. Understanding common Estate Planning mistakes can help...
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
An estate planning attorney is a licensed legal professional that thoroughly understands the state and federal laws that govern the assessment,...
estate planning
What are The Different Types of Wills?
If you have a small estate a will may be enough. If you have a living trust, you will need a pour-over will.
estate planning
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Blended family estate planning presents challenges, and one size fits all estate plans may not work.
estate planning
Get a Durable Power of Attorney to Avoid Conservatorship
If you have already created a Durable Power of Attorney, you should not need a conservatorship.
estate planning
What If You Don't Have an Estate Plan?
What happens if you don’t prepare an estate plan? The state of California has a default plan for you, it's called intestacy.
Divorce Protection and Lawsuit Protection for Your Family
Lifetime Protection Trusts are designed to protect your loved ones and their inheritance from potential divorce claims and lawsuits.
estate planning
Estate Planning Checklist for California Residents
When you pass away, your estate goes through the probate process, and the probate court ensures that your executor distributes your assets per your...
How Does High Net Worth Estate Planning Work?
If you have a high net worth estate, your estate plan may need more than a revocable living trust.
estate planning
Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Almost everyone needs an estate plan. Many people think the term “estate plan” is something only high net worth individuals need. Not true.
No More Stretch-Out IRA: The Secure Act Changed the Rules
The Secure Act has significantly changed the rules for IRA beneficiaries. Before the Secure Act, beneficiaries could use the Life Expectancy Rule -...
Living Trust Administration Basics
What to do when your parent dies with a living trust
How to Choose a Guardian and Trustee
How to choose the right guardian and trustee in your living trust when you don't have a perfect guardian or trustee.
estate planning
California Proposition 19
California Prop 19 eliminates Parent Child Reassessment Exclusion but Expands Base Year Value Transfer
Protect Your College Kids
Young California adults need a durable power of attorney, health care directive and HIPAA.
trust administration
Portability - How to Eliminate Estate Tax
Filing estate tax return and electing portability when first spouse dies could eliminate future estate tax if the gift and estate tax exemption drops.
taxes
2022 Gift and Estate Tax Exemption
2022 gift and estate tax exemption and annual gift exclusion. How much can you gift without a gift tax?
estate planning
Living Trust or Will?
If you own a home in California, you'll need a living trust to avoid probate.
estate planning
Be Careful if You Refinance
Keep title of your home in your revocable living trust after you refinance