A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust, often called a SLAT, is an irrevocable trust that allows one spouse to transfer assets out of their estate while still providing financial access for the other spouse during their lifetime. It is commonly used to reduce future estate taxes while keeping a measure of flexibility...

With its beautiful variety of landscapes, California is a popular destination for vacation homes. If you own a vacation property in California it's important to plan for the future in order to ensure your heirs can enjoy your property. Having a well-thought-out estate plan can make all the difference. Here’s are some...

While planning for the future involves ensuring your loved ones are provided for, protecting your assets from potential creditors is equally important. In this blog post, we'll delve into the key considerations surrounding asset protection against creditors in California. 

Asset protection consists of arranging and managing your assets legally...

Many people are under the impression that only those who are old or very wealthy need a will. However, this isn’t the case. Although many people wait until they are older to establish a will or comprehensive estate plan, those who are younger may also benefit from having a will. Anyone...

One of the major points of establishing a comprehensive estate plan is to ensure that your property and assets are given to the people and causes you desire after you pass away. Still, there are times when those whom we expect to inherit most of one’s property do not. When the recipient(s)...

The creation of an estate plan is important because it allows you to decide several things, including who you wish to receive your assets when you pass away. However, sometimes those whom you plan to leave property to may pass away before you. When this occurs, what does that mean for...

It may be difficult to imagine our lives without our dogs, cats, and other pets. But, what about their lives without you? While it’s unpleasant to think about, sometimes our pets outlive us. When this occurs, it’s important to know that they will be well cared for. Luckily, there are steps that...

When someone (the Grantor) is no longer competent to manage a trust, a disability panel has the right to remove the Grantor as trustee. The disability panel makes a determination of whether the Grantor as Trustee has capacity. 

For joint Trusts, each Grantor will set his or her own...

Despite the importance, there is still much confusion surrounding estate planning and specifically trusts. Here are some common myths about your California trust and how you can establish one for yourself. 

1. MYTH: Living trusts are too expensive and you can’t afford one.

You may...

When you make the difficult decision to divorce, there are many different things to consider. Not only will divorce obviously change your relationship status, but it can also impact your children if you have any. It can also have an effect on your home, your assets, trusts, retirement plans, and estate...