In the intricate dynamics of blended families, one common and crucial question arises: what inheritance rights does a child from a previous marriage have? This is especially important when planning for the future and ensuring fairness for all family members. If you’re in a blended family with stepchildren, understanding these legal intricacies is essential. Legal […]

As a parent, ensuring the long-term well-being of your child, especially if they have special needs, is paramount. If your minor child is receiving a settlement due to a lawsuit and will require care throughout their life, it’s crucial to manage these funds wisely. One effective solution is establishing a first-party special needs trust, a […]

When it comes to estate planning, understanding the nuances of various financial instruments is key. This is particularly true for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which can play a significant role in your financial legacy. Whether you’re planning to pass down an HSA or have recently inherited one, it’s important to know the rules and implications. […]

Every parent dreams of leaving behind a legacy for their children: a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and love. But what if you know, deep down, that your child might squander that inheritance? It’s a heart-wrenching thought, especially when you’ve envisioned those funds serving a more profound purpose or even trickling down to […]

Buying a home is a significant milestone, filled with decisions about location, size, and financing. However, there’s one critical decision that often goes unnoticed: whether to own your property in the name of a trust. While it might seem like a minor detail, this decision can have substantial implications for you and your loved ones. […]

Life is ever-changing, and so are our relationships. If you’ve previously designated someone as your agent in a Power of Attorney (POA) and feel that the dynamics of your relationship have shifted, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Begin by examining the reasons behind your initial selection. Think over the nature of your disagreement or distance. […]

Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are designed to provide supplemental support to individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance, such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, there are certain expenses that an SNT should not cover. Understanding these can prevent unintentional complications and preserve the trust’s integrity. Let’s dive deeper with […]

Designing a trust is a significant move in estate planning, one that provides flexibility and potential tax advantages. Central to the operation of any trust is the Trustee, responsible for managing and distributing the trust’s assets as per its terms. Given this responsibility, how financially knowledgeable should a Trustee be? Let’s uncover the answer with […]

“I’ll get to it later.” It’s a phrase many of us have uttered, especially when it comes to tasks that feel overwhelming or too distant to be pressing. Estate planning, for many, falls into this category. But as any experienced Santa Clara will lawyer will emphasize, in the world of wills and trusts, all too […]

Inheriting a piece of jewelry from a loved one is not just about receiving a valuable asset—it’s also about inheriting a memento filled with memories and emotions. As precious as it is sentimentally, it’s equally important to ensure that the jewelry’s monetary value is protected and preserved. As an experienced Silicon Valley estate planning lawyer, […]