Estate planning for a married couple is often pretty straightforward: you leave all of your property and money to your spouse who also takes care of the minor children. But what happens if both parents pass away unexpectedly or if you’re a single parent creating an estate plan? Parents will usually say “then the children […]

Modern technology has put research tools once only available to professionals in the hands of everyday people. With nothing more than access to the internet, we can trace our family trees back several centuries. We can now order DNA testing kits through the mail, allowing us to discover our genetic roots without leaving our homes. […]

Our Bay Area trust lawyers are often asked by parents if it is possible to protect an inheritance for an adult child who battles Bipolar Disorder. Unfortunately, one of the hallmarks of the condition is excessive financial spending while in the manic phase of the disease. Parents often worry that if they leave an inheritance […]

Modern American families come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and configurations. This creates unique circumstances when creating wills and trusts and putting long-term care plans in place. There is always the potential for conflict when it comes to estate planning in general, but the added element of a blended family can compound problems. That is why […]

If something were to happen to you and your spouse, what would happen if the authorities or medical personnel did not know that you have minor children at home waiting for you? Picture this: your children are at home and more frightened as each hour passes and you have not returned. The babysitter is scrambling […]

Any type of co-parenting relationship can be complicated, especially when the relationship ends in divorce. Divorcing parents of a special needs child, even one that has reached adulthood, may have questions about their rights and obligations as guardians when it comes to decision making for an adult child with special needs. While laws may vary […]

Bay Area estate planning attorneys answer, “Can I name more than one person as my Power of Attorney?” Granting someone power of attorney means that you are giving them the authority to make important decisions on your behalf should you be incapable of making them yourself. The scope, duration, and other specifics are up to […]

By Santa Clara Will and Estate Lawyer Gray Brainin Excluding someone from your will, particularly if it’s your spouse or your child, can be complicated. In some states, it’s not even allowed. Leaving out people who wouldn’t automatically receive any of your estate is usually as simple as just not including them. However, if you […]

As a San Francisco Bay Area estate planning lawyer, I am often asked by my clients to explain what comprises a basic estate plan. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question because an estate plan always depends on the situation and the needs of the individual. For instance, a basic estate plan for one […]

By Silicon Valley Estate Planning Attorney Gary Brainin If you’ve heard of a 529 Plan, you probably think of it as a means of education funding for your children or grandchildren. These plans are sponsored by state agencies or educational institutions, and they’re available to people of all income brackets. While a 529 Plan is […]