For many elder law clients in the San Francisco Peninsula, Social Security benefits represent a very large portion of their post-retirement income.  Because of the way that the system has changed since it was originated in 1935, it is extremely complex.  Literally hundreds of amendments have been made in the nearly 80 years since the […]

Since 2005, certain companies are allowed to take a deduction equal to 3% to 9% of their net income for building and renovation of residential and commercial properties.  I’m talking about construction, engineering and architectural companies that were hired by a homeowner or business owner to construct or renovate a home or building.  If you […]

This is the fourth in a series of articles on what to expect when you work with your Menlo Park estate planning lawyer.  Each article will cover several of the topics that you will need to consider to make a plan that works for your needs. In this series, we have covered estate planning considerations […]

This is the third in a series of articles on what to expect when you work with your Menlo Park estate planning lawyer.  Each article will cover several of the topics you will need to consider to make a plan that works for your needs. In the previous two editions of this series, we looked […]

A Silicon Valley will and trust lawyer’s job is to make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row so that if you become incapacitated or die, your loved ones will know how to manage your estate and follow your wishes.  Laws in California vary from those found around the country, which is […]

If you are dealing with an estate that has to go through the probate process in California, your smartest move is likely going to be to work with a Bay Area probate lawyer.  There are cases where very simple estates will move through fairly easily, but there is still a matter of paperwork, accounting, etc. […]

Working with a will lawyer in the San Francisco Peninsula can bring up some uncomfortable feelings.  Those of us in this area of law are very aware of the fact that many people avoid important planning for this very reason.  After all, there aren’t a whole lot of people who want to contemplate their own […]

The recent DOMA ruling has some pretty interesting implications for estate planning lawyers in Silicon Valley.  Those with clients in same-sex relationships are likely to be looking at a whole new way of working with and protecting those clients and their estates.  Where there used to be a lot of additional hoops to jump through, […]

There are some forms of income that obviously need to be discussed with your trust lawyer in the Bay Area.  When putting together your plan, you’ll want to consider your current employment, retirement plans, bank accounts, and possibly your own business.  As you work through the estate planning process, it will be clear that these […]

With much experience behind them, will lawyers in Menlo Park often feel like they’ve “seen it all.”  This is good news for clients, because it means that the attorney can help you prepare for situations  you might never have expected otherwise.  One surprise that people hear from their estate planning lawyers is that you can’t […]