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 […]

If something were to happen to you and your spouse, what would happen if the authorities or medical personnel did not know that you have minor children at home waiting for you? Picture this: your children are at home and more frightened as each hour passes and you have not returned. The babysitter is scrambling […]

Any type of co-parenting relationship can be complicated, especially when the relationship ends in divorce. Divorcing parents of a special needs child, even one that has reached adulthood, may have questions about their rights and obligations as guardians when it comes to decision making for an adult child with special needs. While laws may vary […]

Bay Area estate planning attorneys answer, “Can I name more than one person as my Power of Attorney?” Granting someone power of attorney means that you are giving them the authority to make important decisions on your behalf should you be incapable of making them yourself. The scope, duration, and other specifics are up to […]

Once an older loved one starts to show signs of dementia, you will likely need to start thinking about the type of care he or she will need in the future. When your loved one gets to the point where he or she is no longer able to remain in their home, a dementia care […]

By Santa Clara Will and Estate Lawyer Gray Brainin Excluding someone from your will, particularly if it’s your spouse or your child, can be complicated. In some states, it’s not even allowed. Leaving out people who wouldn’t automatically receive any of your estate is usually as simple as just not including them. However, if you […]

One of the main benefits of estate and trust planning according to lawyers in Santa Clara ounty is the avoidance of probate proceedings. But what does that mean? And why should you want to avoid probate in the first place? The main reason to avoid probate in Santa Clara County is simply that it’s a […]

One of the hardest things a senior must come to grips with is that he or she can no longer operate an automobile safely. However, this is not usually something they’ll admit to themselves, even if they know it’s the truth. Most of the time it is up to their adult children to determine when […]

As a San Francisco Bay Area estate planning lawyer, I am often asked by my clients to explain what comprises a basic estate plan. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question because an estate plan always depends on the situation and the needs of the individual. For instance, a basic estate plan for one […]