The phrase “trust fund” often brings to mind a particular type of person, namely someone who comes from a wealthy family with an excessive amount of money available to spend on luxury and frivolity. Although there are families who have that kind of generational wealth that’s passed down to them through a trust fund, it’s […]

Preparing for college can be exhausting for both the student and their parents. Between paying tuition, getting registered for classes, and setting up a dorm room or apartment, there’s a lot of time and money involved. One of the most important aspects of planning for college that’s often overlooked is setting up some basic estate […]

Every estate planning attorney in Santa Clara has, at some point in their career, heard a sad story about complications in handling a loved one’s estate. Legal language can be tricky, and sometimes a minor mistake can cause major problems. One way to prevent potential conflict among family members or a lengthy and expensive probate […]

The national news has been filled with tragedy lately, including acts of senseless violence committed against random strangers. Families and communities across the nation are mourning the loss of their loved ones and doing what they can to help the survivors. While most people are wondering if such a tragic event could ever happen in […]

Estate planning for a married couple is often pretty straightforward: you leave all of your property and money to your spouse who also takes care of the minor children. But what happens if both parents pass away unexpectedly or if you’re a single parent creating an estate plan? Parents will usually say “then the children […]

Modern technology has put research tools once only available to professionals in the hands of everyday people. With nothing more than access to the internet, we can trace our family trees back several centuries. We can now order DNA testing kits through the mail, allowing us to discover our genetic roots without leaving our homes. […]

As seniors start experiencing the changes associated with aging, one of their most common fears is losing their independence. As a Santa Clara elder attorney, I recognize that a chief catalyst of such fears is often when the senior loses the ability to drive. A senior’s ability to operate a vehicle may be affected by […]

The thought of going through probate in Santa Clara County can strike fear in the hearts of most people, and with good reason. The time it takes is long and grueling, and the paperwork is overwhelming. The details of probate vary from state to state, so the process looks different depending on where the deceased […]

Our Bay Area trust lawyers are often asked by parents if it is possible to protect an inheritance for an adult child who battles Bipolar Disorder. Unfortunately, one of the hallmarks of the condition is excessive financial spending while in the manic phase of the disease. Parents often worry that if they leave an inheritance […]

Modern American families come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and configurations. This creates unique circumstances when creating wills and trusts and putting long-term care plans in place. There is always the potential for conflict when it comes to estate planning in general, but the added element of a blended family can compound problems. That is why […]