When people think about estate planning, they often assume a simple will is enough. But if you want to give your family true protection and peace of mind, a living trust offers advantages that a will simply cannot provide. Understanding these benefits can help you make an informed decision about which estate planning tools best […]

If you own physical precious metals like gold coins, silver bars, or collectible bullion, you might wonder how these assets fit into your estate plan. Unlike bank accounts or real estate, precious metals present unique challenges when it comes to valuation, storage, and transfer. Without proper planning, your heirs could face confusion, disputes, or unnecessary […]

As a legal professional serving Silicon Valley, I have seen how successful client outcomes often result from close collaboration between social workers and attorneys. When a senior is hospitalized or residing in a care facility, this partnership becomes especially important in ensuring their needs are thoughtfully addressed. Understanding Our Complementary Roles Social workers play a […]

It’s a daunting task when your spouse enters a nursing home for long-term care, especially considering all of the logistical nightmares and care coordination concerns that are part and parcel of such a move. Throw in financial planning for Medicaid eligibility and you’ll be subject to even more stress since there are strict asset and […]

If you’re like many Americans, your home is the single most valuable asset you own, and perhaps the single most important item to consider when drafting your estate plan. It’s important to know that your children will inherit the family home after you have passed away—and to that end, there are several legal instruments that […]

When was the last time you took a look at your Last Will and Testament? If it was five years ago or more, then you should consider dusting it off and reading through to make sure it’s up to date. Remember, a lot can change in five years: the birth of new family members, marriages […]

As a Santa Clara County probate lawyer, I commonly say, “If you don’t create your own will while you’re alive, the state will give you one when you’re gone.” What that means is that if a person dies without a will (called “intestate”) their estate will be administered according to state law. Likewise, the heirs […]

Here in Santa Clara, living will attorneys know full well the ramifications of not planning ahead for an unexpected disability. Even those clients who understand the importance of estate planning tend to overlook what would happen if they should become unable to care for themselves. It’s not the happiest thought, but the reality of not […]

In California, most new laws take effect on January 1, so the beginning of the year is always a good time to look at some of the new laws that may affect you this year. Below are a few highlights. Transfer on Death Deeds. I wrote previously on some of the pros and cons of this new law, which […]

When setting up an estate plan, most people are concerned with what will happen to their belongings: money, jewelry, house, etc. But usually little thought is given to what will happen to their debts when they pass away, notably their mortgage. For years, many people expected to pay off their mortgage long before they died, […]