Estate planning is based on state and federal laws which are subject to change at any time. For many members of the LGBTQ community, that can be not only anxiety-provoking but a genuine concern when planning for the future. The good news is that having a comprehensive estate plan gives you control over how your […]

As you are setting up your trust and making the very important choice of who will serve as trustee, you may be wondering if this person will get paid for their services and how that is accomplished. Do your heirs have to pay them out of pocket? Let’s explore how trustee compensation typically works. Understanding […]

In the wake of recent natural disasters, especially the devastating floods and the fires in California, many social media posts have claimed that if your property is held in a trust, it won’t be covered by insurance. This is not entirely accurate. While it is true that you can face coverage gaps if your trust […]

As a Silicon Valley will lawyer, I often find clients are puzzled by the term “Pour-Over Will.” While both traditional wills and pour-over wills serve important purposes, they function quite differently in your estate plan. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes. Traditional Wills: The […]

As a Will and Trust lawyer in Santa Clara, I’ve watched recent natural disasters, from devastating hurricanes in the Southeastern United States to destructive wildfires in California, demonstrate just how crucial emergency preparedness can be. As communities work to recover and rebuild, one consistent message emerges from those affected: having digital copies of important documents […]

One of the most common misconceptions about Powers of Attorney (POAs) is that they’re set in stone once signed. As an estate planning lawyer in Bay Area, I often reassure clients that this isn’t the case. The truth is, you can change your mind about your POA as long as you have the mental capacity […]

As a trust lawyer in Santa Clara, I often hear this question from homeowners who want to protect their assets but worry that their mortgage might stand in the way. The good news? Having a mortgage doesn’t prevent you from putting your home in a trust, and the process is typically straightforward. The Truth About […]

As a Santa Clara estate planning lawyer, I often meet with families who believe they’re fully protected because they have a will. While having a will is certainly better than no plan at all, relying solely on this document might leave unexpected gaps in your estate plan that could affect your loved ones. Let’s explore […]

As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies reach unprecedented heights, more investors are entering the digital asset space. While the potential for returns is exciting, these investments present unique estate planning challenges that traditional assets don’t share. As a Bay Area will and trust lawyer, I’ve seen how proper planning can mean the difference between preserving or […]

Let’s be honest—estate planning probably isn’t at the top of your New Year’s resolution list. As a Silicon Valley will lawyer, I’ve heard every reason for postponing this important task: “I’m too young,” “I don’t have enough assets,” or the classic “I’ll get to it later.” But here’s the truth: later isn’t guaranteed, and tomorrow’s […]