Entering 2026 without an up-to-date estate plan is like driving without insurance. To help you start the year with security, we’ve curated a checklist optimized for the current legal and digital landscape. Taking just a few minutes to review these key areas can prevent months of complications for your family later. What Should Be on […]

Planning for your child’s future, especially when they have special needs, can feel overwhelming. It’s filled with uncertainties and a mix of emotions. However, creating a Special Needs Trust in Santa Clara is a crucial step in securing your child’s well-being, both now and for years to come. Understanding the Anxiety It’s natural to feel […]

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. […]

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is poised to bring transformative changes to the U.S. business landscape, with a spotlight on corporate beneficial ownership reporting. This initiative represents a significant advancement in U.S. anti-money-laundering measures since the USA Patriot Act of 2001. But what does this mean for your small business or estate plan? Understanding the […]

The “estate” you own comprises much more than just real estate (land). Whether you have a modest income or sizeable assets, understanding the full scope of your estate is essential for planning purposes. Let’s delve into the various components of an estate with guidance from a knowledgeable Santa Clara County estate lawyer. Key Components of […]

How Long Does It Take to Settle an Estate in Santa Clara County, California? One of the most common questions asked when it comes to settling an estate in Santa Clara County is, “How long is this going to take?” The answer to that question is, of course, going to vary depending upon several factors. […]

As a Silicon Valley estate planning attorney, I know Millennials have a lot going on: they are starting their careers, buying their first homes, and starting their families. With so many “beginnings,” it’s hard to imagine finding time to stop and think about “the end.” A lot of people think that they are too young […]

Ask a Santa Clara County Estate Planning Lawyer: “I Just Discovered a Long-Lost Sister. Can She Inherit Dad’s Estate?” This may sound like a situation from a movie, but it happens more frequently than you might imagine: a long-lost child appears after the death of their parent. This is an alarming situation for many reasons, […]

Blended families are becoming more and more common in modern society, yet estate laws remain largely unchanged and still geared toward a “traditional” family structure. This poses an issue when it comes to leaving an inheritance for step-children in an estate plan. Step-children are often not legally adopted by the new spouse, which means they […]

Often, when we think of someone having property overseas, we think of George Clooney and his Italian villa or Richard Branson and his private island. However, plenty of everyday Americans own property or assets in other countries, and it may become part of their estates when they pass on. There are special considerations to keep […]