Planning for death or incapacity isn’t a pleasant topic, but ensuring your affairs are in order can give peace of mind and ease the burden on your loved ones. A revocable living trust is a valuable tool in any sound estate plan to help accomplish these goals. With the help of a qualified Santa Clara […]

Drafting a will is a significant milestone in safeguarding your legacy. But once the ink is dry and your wishes are clearly outlined, a critical question remains: Who should actually have a copy of your will? Let’s unpack this with advice from a Bay Area estate lawyer. The Executor: Your Will’s Administrator First and foremost, […]

As tax season rolls around, it’s not just a time for crunching numbers; it’s also the perfect opportunity to review your living trust. With your financial information already in order and at your fingertips, a trust review can be a seamless part of your financial health check-up. But what exactly does “review your trust” entail? […]

Choosing an executor for your will can feel like a high-stakes decision. After all, this person (or people) will be responsible for managing your estate, honoring your final wishes, and navigating the complexities of probate. So, what happens when you find yourself torn between trusted individuals? Here’s a friendly guide on why naming multiple executors […]

Facing the probate process can be daunting, and you might wonder if you can handle it yourself. While it’s true that anyone can file for probate independently, there’s much more to it than just filling out forms. If you’re in Santa Clara County and probate is on your horizon, here’s why partnering with a knowledgeable […]

When the news surfaced that Jay Leno had to file for conservatorship over his wife’s estate, it wasn’t just a startling moment for fans—it was a vivid example of a challenge that countless families face every day. Mavis Leno’s incapacity to manage her affairs due to dementia is a situation that forces us to confront […]

Losing a loved one is a challenging experience, and it becomes more complex when they pass away without a will. In such situations, you might find yourself needing to step up as the personal representative to manage their estate. This task can be daunting, especially in the absence of a will, and often requires the […]

In the intricate dynamics of blended families, one common and crucial question arises: what inheritance rights does a child from a previous marriage have? This is especially important when planning for the future and ensuring fairness for all family members. If you’re in a blended family with stepchildren, understanding these legal intricacies is essential. Legal […]

As a parent, ensuring the long-term well-being of your child, especially if they have special needs, is paramount. If your minor child is receiving a settlement due to a lawsuit and will require care throughout their life, it’s crucial to manage these funds wisely. One effective solution is establishing a first-party special needs trust, a […]

When it comes to estate planning, understanding the nuances of various financial instruments is key. This is particularly true for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which can play a significant role in your financial legacy. Whether you’re planning to pass down an HSA or have recently inherited one, it’s important to know the rules and implications. […]