When you create an estate plan, you might wonder how to avoid or reduce gift and estate taxes when your beneficiaries receive your assets. An irrevocable trust is an excellent option to accomplish this goal. More specifically, a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) could minimize estate and gift tax liability. What Is a GRAT? A […]

After the loss of a loved one, you will likely have to go through a legal process called probate to administer his or her estate. It can be overwhelming and intimidating, as you may not initially know who to contact, what’s required of you, or how the process works in general.  There are also a […]

While creating an estate plan with a Santa Clara will and trust lawyer, it’s nearly always advisable to include directives regarding medical treatment, incapacity, and end-of-life care. If you don’t outline your wishes for these particular scenarios, you may leave your family with the difficult responsibility of making these decisions for you.  Worse, they may […]

Many veterans and their families are unaware of the availability of the Aid and Attendance pension benefit for veterans over the age of 65 through the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits can be used to help offset long-term care costs for older veterans who served during a period of war, whether that’s at home […]