In recent years, a new trend has emerged in estate planning: the “death binder.” As a Silicon Valley probate lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how these comprehensive information packets can be a game-changer for families navigating the aftermath of a loved one’s passing. But what exactly is a death binder, and why should you consider creating […]

As a Santa Clara County estate planning lawyer, I’ve seen my fair share of unique assets come through estates. From rare coin collections to vintage cars, handling collectibles can be one of the trickiest parts of estate administration. If you’re an executor dealing with collectibles or a collector yourself planning for the future, here are […]

As a business owner, you’ve poured your heart and soul into building your LLC. But have you considered what will happen to your company if you’re no longer around to run it? As a Santa Clara business planning lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand the chaos that can ensue when an LLC owner passes away without proper […]

Let’s face it: we can’t always pick our family members. While we love our children unconditionally, their choice of spouse might sometimes leave us… shall we say, less than thrilled. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you’re planning your estate. You want to leave an inheritance to your child, but what if their […]

When it comes to estate planning, life insurance trusts are like the Swiss Army knives of the financial world—versatile and useful—but often misunderstood. As a , I’ve helped numerous families navigate the complexities of these powerful tools. Let’s break down what a life insurance trust is and when it might be the right move for […]

Ever catch yourself humming “We’re Not Gonna Take It” when thinking about getting older? You’re not alone. Many of us worry that aging means waving goodbye to our independence, dignity, and control faster than you can say “early bird special.” But here’s a plot twist for you: with the right estate plan, you can stay […]

Attention business owners and those with entities as part of their estate plan: We’re at the halfway point of the year, which means you only have a few months left to meet the deadline to file with FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), or face hefty fines. This isn’t just about traditional businesses: if […]

As your child prepares to graduate and embark on new adventures, it’s essential to ensure that you have the legal authority to make important medical and financial decisions on their behalf in case of an emergency. With current privacy laws, you may find yourself unable to access medical records or make life-saving decisions without the […]

Imagine this heartbreaking story: a young couple with two small children is tragically killed in a car accident. They have no estate plan. What happens next? Their children are left without parents, their finances are in disarray, and their future is uncertain. No one likes to think about dying, especially when they have young children. […]

Remember that old tale about mailing yourself a copy of an invention to secure the patent? For decades, this was passed down as sage advice, even though it held no legal weight. Well-intentioned family members and friends, or even advice found online, can often lead to similar misinformation when it comes to estate planning. While […]