As an estate administration lawyer in Silicon Valley, I occasionally receive calls from families who need to “reopen” a probate case that was previously closed. While it may sound unusual, reopening probate happens more often than you might think, and understanding the process can help you navigate these situations effectively. What Does “Reopening Probate” Mean? […]

As we begin 2025, it’s the perfect time to review your estate plan. As a Bay Area will and trust lawyer, I’ve created this checklist to help you ensure your estate plan continues to protect what matters most. Life Changes That Need Your Attention Has 2024 brought any major life changes? Consider whether you’ve experienced: […]

As a trust lawyer in Santa Clara, I often encounter clients who need to make significant changes to their trust but aren’t sure whether to amend it or start from scratch. This is where a trust restatement comes in—a powerful but often overlooked solution that offers the best of both worlds. What Is a Trust […]

The holiday season is often a time when we gather with family members we may not see regularly throughout the year. While these reunions are usually filled with joy and connection, they can also be a time when we notice changes in our loved ones that might cause concern. As a Santa Clara elder lawyer, […]

Many people are unfamiliar with the term “probate” until they lose a loved one and discover that managing their final affairs and distributing the estate requires more work than expected—even with a will in place. As a Santa Clara County probate attorney, I’d like to demystify this process for local families. What is Probate? Probate […]

The holiday season typically brings thoughts of giving, but sometimes complex family dynamics lead to difficult decisions about inheritance. As a Silicon Valley will lawyer, I often counsel clients who are considering disinheriting a family member. While this is never an easy choice, it’s important to understand how to do it legally and effectively. Understanding […]

If you’re reading this, you’re likely facing one of life’s most challenging tasks: writing an obituary for someone you love. As a Santa Clara will and trust lawyer who has helped countless families through the grief process, I want to share some guidance to make this difficult task a little easier.  As a preliminary note, […]

The recent custody battle involving reality TV star Mama June Shannon has brought to light a critical issue that many parents overlook: the importance of estate planning when you have minor children. As a Santa Clara County estate planning lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how proper planning can prevent heartache and legal battles in the wake […]

When it comes to estate planning, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. As a Bay Area will attorney, I often find that clients are familiar with traditional wills but less so with pour-over wills. Today, let’s dive into the differences between these two important legal documents and explore when a pour-over will might be the right choice […]

As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel inspired to give back to our communities and the causes close to our hearts. While volunteering and making donations are wonderful ways to contribute, have you considered the lasting effect you could make by incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan? As a Santa Clara trust […]