Every parent dreams of leaving behind a legacy for their children: a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and love. But what if you know, deep down, that your child might squander that inheritance? It’s a heart-wrenching thought, especially when you’ve envisioned those funds serving a more profound purpose or even trickling down to […]

Buying a home is a significant milestone, filled with decisions about location, size, and financing. However, there’s one critical decision that often goes unnoticed: whether to own your property in the name of a trust. While it might seem like a minor detail, this decision can have substantial implications for you and your loved ones. […]

Life is ever-changing, and so are our relationships. If you’ve previously designated someone as your agent in a Power of Attorney (POA) and feel that the dynamics of your relationship have shifted, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Begin by examining the reasons behind your initial selection. Think over the nature of your disagreement or distance. […]

Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are designed to provide supplemental support to individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance, such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, there are certain expenses that an SNT should not cover. Understanding these can prevent unintentional complications and preserve the trust’s integrity. Let’s dive deeper with […]

Designing a trust is a significant move in estate planning, one that provides flexibility and potential tax advantages. Central to the operation of any trust is the Trustee, responsible for managing and distributing the trust’s assets as per its terms. Given this responsibility, how financially knowledgeable should a Trustee be? Let’s uncover the answer with […]

“I’ll get to it later.” It’s a phrase many of us have uttered, especially when it comes to tasks that feel overwhelming or too distant to be pressing. Estate planning, for many, falls into this category. But as any experienced Santa Clara will lawyer will emphasize, in the world of wills and trusts, all too […]

Inheriting a piece of jewelry from a loved one is not just about receiving a valuable asset—it’s also about inheriting a memento filled with memories and emotions. As precious as it is sentimentally, it’s equally important to ensure that the jewelry’s monetary value is protected and preserved. As an experienced Silicon Valley estate planning lawyer, […]

It’s not uncommon for parents to add an adult child as a co-owner on their bank account. This arrangement often serves as a convenience, allowing the child to help manage finances or ensure easy access to funds in case of emergencies. However, what happens when that child is facing a divorce? Could the parent’s money […]

After a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), it’s essential to begin thinking about estate planning. While it’s an understandably difficult time, it’s crucial to ensure that your wishes regarding your estate and health care are clearly outlined. As experienced Silicon Valley estate planning lawyers, we can guide you through this process.  Last Will and […]

One common misconception that often holds people back from estate planning is the fear that putting their house in a trust will make it difficult to control their asset or sell it in the future. As a trust lawyer in Santa Clara County, I can confidently say that this fear is based more on myth […]