Planning for death can be an unpleasant experience for anyone. It often comes with uncomfortable conversations and difficult decisions. However, creating an estate plan is one of the most important things you can do in life. If you want to protect your loved ones and ensure they receive the care and assistance they need when […]

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect individuals and families throughout the country. During the last two years, many people started thinking about their futures and the type of financial security they require in their lives. Business owners reevaluated how they run their businesses and handle their finances. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that […]

Typically, the decision to place your loved one in a long-term care facility is an emotional one. You might not have the time or ability to take care of your family member yourself. You worry about their well-being if they live alone and don’t receive the daily assistance they need. Although the idea of moving […]

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 […]

When a decedent leaves behind unpaid debts, creditors have certain rights when it comes to reclaiming those debts. However, a creditor’s ability to enforce their rights could be significantly limited if they fail to enter their claim within the appropriate time frame. A creditor who enters a claim too late may lose the opportunity to […]

You’ve worked hard. You’ve built up a nice nest egg that you hope to someday leave to your kids. Your “ducks are in a row” and you’re in good financial standing. Do you need to worry about creditors getting their hands on your money? You just might! This is because the money that you leave […]

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 […]