Good question! It’s pretty straight-forward, and since it can really make a difference, let me spell it out. Hint – this has nothing to do with property taxes. We are coming up on a time of year where our attention turns to all things tax and money related, so it seemed an appropriate time to […]
Clients often have questions about whether their assets should be in their personal name or in the name of the trust. In addition, there is often confusion regarding the difference between a Successor Trustee and the person to whom you have assigned Durable Power of Attorney for Finances. With any luck this article will clear […]
You may wonder just how estate planning could be a gift worth giving. You may also be asking yourself “Why start now?” It’s January for crying out loud! Well, we are exactly ONE month away from Valentine’s Day, and with a little planning, you can show you care in a way that REALLY matters! Valentine’s […]
As parents age it becomes easier for family or strangers to take advantage of failing comprehension, eye sight, or hearing. What follows is a common theme. Example of Living Trust Number One Peter, the son of Fred and Ethel, moves into the family home when he loses his job and his wife divorces him. He […]
Don’t Try this At Home! An often asked question is “Can I do my own living trust?” The short answer is “yes”. There is no law that forbids a person from writing his or her own trust, will, durable power of attorney for finances, and health care directive. In fact, there is no law that […]
That’s right! A good attorney can save you and your estate money. When my friend’s Aunt Bertha died she had a modest house (worth $550,000) and a surprising amount of cash in certificates of deposit and a checking account ($150,000 to be exact). She had always been a private person and never sought advice from […]
Most people know that they can set up a minor’s account under the California Uniform Transfers to Minors act (CUTMA). This kind of account will allow an adult (called a Custodian) to handle the money while the child is under the age of eighteen. The person who sets up the account can say that the […]
A Living Trust is document signed during the client’s lifetime and it names someone to manage the client’s assets during his or her lifetime and distribute the assets after the client’s death. One of the key benefits of setting up a Living Trust is that you are able to specifically control the distribution of your […]
So here’s the truth… When it comes to financial management of a loved one’s assets during incapacity, failure to plan will guarantee a court process. How Can I Pay a Sick Relatives Bills? Anyone with an ill friend or relative knows that you cannot just go to the bank and ask to take over the […]
A Living Trust is document signed during the client’s lifetime. It names someone to manage the client’s assets during his or her lifetime and distribute assets after the client’s death. It is called a” living trust” because it is effective during a client’s lifetime. The term “revocable,” as related to a living trust, indicates that […]
Diane Brown, ESQ.
Certified Specialist: Estate Planning,
Trusts and Probate
Estate planning is for everybody; especially married couples, parents, and grandparents. Planning ensures your wishes are carried out, not the whims of relatives or the courts.
Action now can translate into significant savings down the road. Take just ONE step today...
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