The Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect individuals and families throughout the country. During the last two years, many people started thinking about their futures and the type of financial security they require in their lives. Business owners reevaluated how they run their businesses and handle their finances. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that […]

When you create an estate plan, you might wonder how to avoid or reduce gift and estate taxes when your beneficiaries receive your assets. An irrevocable trust is an excellent option to accomplish this goal. More specifically, a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) could minimize estate and gift tax liability. What Is a GRAT? A […]

While creating an estate plan with a Santa Clara will and trust lawyer, it’s nearly always advisable to include directives regarding medical treatment, incapacity, and end-of-life care. If you don’t outline your wishes for these particular scenarios, you may leave your family with the difficult responsibility of making these decisions for you.  Worse, they may […]

You’ve worked hard. You’ve built up a nice nest egg that you hope to someday leave to your kids. Your “ducks are in a row” and you’re in good financial standing. Do you need to worry about creditors getting their hands on your money? You just might! This is because the money that you leave […]

There are many reasons to establish a trust, chief among them is to ensure that your loved ones are provided for and that your wishes are honored if something happens to you. Establishing a trust also allows a greater level of control regarding the way your estate is handled after your death.  Below, our Santa […]

It is particularly important for single parents to prepare a proper estate plan, since they often face certain challenges that co-parents do not. Like all parents, single parents want to ensure that their children are properly provided for in the event of their passing. But unlike co-parents, a single parent cannot presume that a surviving […]

Autism and other conditions can affect people throughout their whole lives, and some may need assistance throughout adulthood. However, in the eyes of the law all adults who reach the age of majority become independent and are presumed to have the ability to make their own decisions, including financial decisions. Some adults with special needs […]

Death or incapacitation can creep up on anyone, especially when they least expect it. The burden of handling an estate or financial affairs that can fall on your family may be extremely heavy, even more so if you didn’t leave them in a situation where they’re thoroughly prepared. So if you’re ready to get your […]

A Revocable Living Trust is one of the most misunderstood tools of estate planning, especially since many people associate trusts with the extremely wealthy and the term “trust funds.” But Santa Clara County trust attorneys will tell you that Revocable Living Trusts can be created by just about anyone looking to make an estate plan […]

You should consider making plans for your estate as soon as you have assets you wish to protect and people or organizations you want to pass them on to. Life is full of uncertainties, and it’s never too early to make preparations for the future. One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that […]