As parents, we all want to ensure our children are protected no matter what happens. One of the most important decisions you’ll make in your estate plan is choosing who would care for your minor children if you can’t. However, many parents don’t realize there are different types of guardianships that serve distinct purposes. As […]

Life rarely follows the path we expect. When we create our estate plans, we naturally assume we’ll outlive our beneficiaries. The thought that our children, grandchildren, siblings, or other loved ones might precede us in death is almost unthinkable. Yet as a Santa Clara will and trust lawyer who has guided many families through difficult […]

As a Bay Area estate lawyer, I often find that clients are unfamiliar with the concept of “step-up in basis” until they’re facing significant tax implications after an inheritance. This powerful tax provision can save your heirs thousands—or even millions—of dollars, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of estate planning. The Basics […]

Being named as an executor (also called a personal representative) in someone’s will might seem like an honor, but it comes with significant legal responsibilities and potential personal liability if mistakes are made. As experienced Santa Clara County probate lawyers, we’ve seen well-meaning executors face unexpected personal financial consequences simply because they didn’t understand the […]