There are many reasons to establish a trust, chief among them is to ensure that your loved ones are provided for and that your wishes are honored if something happens to you. Establishing a trust also allows a greater level of control regarding the way your estate is handled after your death.  Below, our Santa […]

It is particularly important for single parents to prepare a proper estate plan, since they often face certain challenges that co-parents do not. Like all parents, single parents want to ensure that their children are properly provided for in the event of their passing. But unlike co-parents, a single parent cannot presume that a surviving […]

Autism and other conditions can affect people throughout their whole lives, and some may need assistance throughout adulthood. However, in the eyes of the law all adults who reach the age of majority become independent and are presumed to have the ability to make their own decisions, including financial decisions. Some adults with special needs […]

Death or incapacitation can creep up on anyone, especially when they least expect it. The burden of handling an estate or financial affairs that can fall on your family may be extremely heavy, even more so if you didn’t leave them in a situation where they’re thoroughly prepared. So if you’re ready to get your […]

A Revocable Living Trust is one of the most misunderstood tools of estate planning, especially since many people associate trusts with the extremely wealthy and the term “trust funds.” But Santa Clara County trust attorneys will tell you that Revocable Living Trusts can be created by just about anyone looking to make an estate plan […]

It’s a daunting task when your spouse enters a nursing home for long-term care, especially considering all of the logistical nightmares and care coordination concerns that are part and parcel of such a move. Throw in financial planning for Medicaid eligibility and you’ll be subject to even more stress since there are strict asset and […]

You should consider making plans for your estate as soon as you have assets you wish to protect and people or organizations you want to pass them on to. Life is full of uncertainties, and it’s never too early to make preparations for the future. One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that […]

If you’re like many Americans, your home is the single most valuable asset you own, and perhaps the single most important item to consider when drafting your estate plan. It’s important to know that your children will inherit the family home after you have passed away—and to that end, there are several legal instruments that […]

The holiday season is often a time of great joy and the chance to gather with loved ones.  Yet for many families, it can also be a time of loss.  In our years of practice, we’ve found that more people pass away during the holidays than at any other time of the year.  Losing a […]

The process of settling an estate can take months to years, and the length of time for probate in Santa Clara County can vary drastically, depending on factors such as whether a will is in place and the complexity of the estate. Sometimes the probate process takes only nine months or so, but some cases […]