When it comes to planning an estate, people have a multitude of options and strategies and various legal documents and instruments available in order to achieve their estate planning goals. With so many options available, it can be confusing to many people in...
We are your Southern California partner in estate administration and estate protection.
Trust Administration
Life insurance may best be accompanied by trust planning
Many times, obtaining life insurance is an important part of a person's estate planning strategy. However, in some cases, just simply having life insurance is not enough for California residents. Those with large estates or who have beneficiaries who are not good at...
Robin Williams’s family heads to court over trust
Just a few months ago, the world learned the shocking news that Robin Williams passed away, leaving behind three adult children and his wife of almost three years. Many people in California are likely still in shock over the news of his death. However, less than five...
California parents have choices in estate planning
When it comes to estate planning, some California parents ignore the benefits of the choices available to them. One example is using a trust to make sure that assets pass to intended parties. Using a trust can give parents more control over their estate versus leaving...
The differences in revocable and irrevocable trusts
California residents who feel they have some assets to protect may be wondering whether a trust is the right choice and what type of trust they may need. Trusts might be a good choice for individuals who are planning their estates and need to protect their assets from...
Methods for avoiding both taxes and probate
There is various tax saving strategies that can be put into that will prevent finances in an estate from being depleted. Unfortunately, many people do not understand just how much taxes can affect one's finances in the long-term. These strategies can be somewhat...
Record-setting insurance purchase shows smart estate planning
Not long ago, a world record was broken in the state of California. No, it wasn't something as flashy as a land-speed record, but it is a smart one according to observers. By purchasing a life insurance policy worth $201 million, a California tech mogul smashed the...
Actor Paul Walker never updated his 2001 California will
When "Fast & Furious" actor Paul Walker died in November, he left behind an estate with an estimated value of $25 million. The 40-year-old unmarried movie actor created an estate plan in 2001 -- a will and trust shifting assets to his now-15-year-old daughter....
Whittling away estate taxes through California trusts
The estates of wealthy California residents can be subject to high federal taxes unless provisions are made to preserve assets. One goal of estate planning is to minimize the tax burden so that beneficiaries are not deprived unnecessarily of full inheritances. Federal...
California trusts, trusteed IRAs offer distribution control
The reason most Los Angeles residents have an individual retirement account is to help supplement income in later life or, following an account owner's death, to add to the financial support of a surviving spouse. However, some California residents see IRAs as assets...