BLOG

Can a QPRT Be Dissolved or Terminated Before the End of the Specified Term?
Early Termination of a QPRT: What You Need to Know A qualified personal residence trust can be a way to protect a property asset during

Can I Establish a QPRT for a Vacation Home or Second Residence?
QPRT Limits: Does It Work for a Non-Primary Residence? Individuals and families seeking to create generational legacies have many estate planning tools to turn to.

Gifting Strategies: Leveraging Annual Exclusions for Estate Planning in California
Using Annual Gift Tax Exclusions in California: A Brief Guide Depending on how your estate is structured and how much it’s worth, some of your

Can You Amend Your Estate Plan After a Major Life Event in California
Can I Modify My Estate Plan After a Major Life Event in California? It’s highly recommended to review and potentially amend your estate plan after

Maximizing Tax Efficiency: Strategies for Estate Tax Planning in California
How Can I Maximize Tax Efficiency in My Estate Planning? Estate planning is a vital process that ensures your assets are allocated according to your

Understanding the Role of Life Insurance in California Estate Plans
How Does Life Insurance Factor into My California Estate Plan? Life insurance is a crucial component of any comprehensive estate plan. In California, it serves

How Does Divorce Affect Your Estate Plan in California
How Does Divorce Impact My Existing Estate Plan in California? Divorce can significantly affect your estate plan in California. When you initially created your estate

California Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples–Specific Legal Considerations
How Does California Law Support Same-Sex Couples in Estate Planning? California is a leader in the legal recognition of same-sex couples, ensuring equitable rights in

What Are the Special Estate Planning Considerations for Blended Families in California?
How Can I Protect My Children’s Inheritance in a Blended Family? One of the primary concerns in estate planning for blended families is ensuring that

Impact of Recent Tax Law Changes on California Estate Plans
How Can Recent Tax Law Changes Affect My California Estate Plan? The recent changes in tax laws have significantly impacted estate planning in California. The

Addressing Special Needs Trusts in California Estate Planning
What is a Special Needs Trust? A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal tool designed to benefit individuals who have physical or mental disabilities.

What Are the Steps to Establish a Living Trust in California
What Is a Living Trust and Why Might I Need One? A living trust, also known as a revocable trust, is a document that allows

What Are Fiduciary Duties?
If you have been assigned trustee of a trust administration, you now have fiduciary duties to follow. Fiduciary duties describe the duties to act in

What is a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT)?
A grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) is an estate planning tool used to minimize taxes on large gifts between family members. In a GRAT, an

What is a Family Limited Partnership (FLP)?
A family limited partnership (FLP) is a business partnership between family members. Each family member puts in money to run a business project. Typically, every

What is Estate Tax?
Estate tax is a tax paid on the total value of a deceased person’s estate. The assets that can make up an estate include money,

What Are the Biggest Challenges After Receiving a Sudden Windfall?
Receiving sudden wealth can come from many different sources. From winning the lottery to inheriting money from a distant relative, a sudden windfall can bring

What is a Dynasty Trust?
A dynasty trust is a type of long-term trust created to pass wealth down to multiple generations. The main advantage of a dynasty trust is

What is a Living Will?
Despite their similar names, a living will and a last will are two vastly different legal documents. A living will, also known as a healthcare

What is a Testamentary Trust?
A testamentary trust is a trust created in a last will and testament. The creator of the trust, also called the grantor, leaves instructions in

What is a QTIP Trust?
A QTIP trust, or Qualified Terminable Interest Property trust, is a type of irrevocable trust that is often recommended for blended families. A QTIP trust