What the Increased Federal Estate Tax Exemption Means for Your Estate Plan
The increased federal estate tax exemption means fewer estates will owe federal estate tax, but that does not mean your estate plan can be left untouched. A higher exemption can change how your trust is funded, how assets pass at death, and whether certain tax-saving provisions still work as intended.
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What Is a California 850 Petition and When Do You Need One?
A California 850 Petition is a probate court request used to resolve disputes over property ownership, often when assets were intended to be transferred into a trust but never were. You may need one when a trust, estate, or individual believes property is being held by the wrong person or entity, and...
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Formal vs. Informal Probate
Choosing between formal and informal probate is one of the first major decisions you'll face when managing a California estate. Because these two paths directly dictate your timeline, overall costs, and level of court involvement, understanding their distinctions early will help you map out the process and avoid unexpected legal hurdles.
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Is Probate Always Necessary?
Probate is not required in every California estate, but it becomes necessary when certain assets cannot be transferred without a court order. Whether probate can be avoided depends on how the estate is structured and the types of property involved. In some cases, assets move smoothly through trusts, joint ownership, or beneficiary...
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The Essential Documents Every California Estate Plan Should Include
Creating an estate plan is one of the most effective ways to protect your family, your assets, and your future. In California, several legal documents work together to make sure your wishes are carried out, both during your lifetime and after. A strong estate plan typically includes a will, a trust, powers...
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What to Expect When You’re Named Trustee in California
Being named the trustee of a California trust can feel like both an honor and a significant responsibility. Trustees must manage trust assets, communicate with beneficiaries, and follow California’s legal requirements for accounting and administration. Understanding your duties from the start can help you avoid disputes, prevent mistakes, and protect both the...
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What to Do If Your Sibling Tries to Take Over as Executor of an Estate
Family relationships can become strained after the death of a loved one, especially when disagreements arise about who should manage the estate. It’s not uncommon for one sibling to take control, or try to, before the probate court formally appoints an executor. When this happens, it’s important to understand your rights...
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How to Handle Probate When There Are Multiple Wills
When a person leaves behind more than one will, it can create confusion and conflict among family members. Multiple wills may surface for many reasons, such as when the deceased made updates over time or drafted different wills for property in separate states. Whatever the reason, determining which document is valid becomes...
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What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will in California?
Losing a loved one is already an emotionally overwhelming experience, but discovering they passed away without a clear estate plan can introduce an entirely new layer of stress. In legal terms, this is known as dying 'intestate.' While California law provides a default blueprint for what happens next, navigating these rules can...
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What Is the Difference Between a Beneficiary and an Heir
Some people believe that the words Beneficiary and Heir mean the same thing and that they are interchangeable, but there are very distinct differences between these two terms.
What Is a Beneficiary?
A Beneficiary refers to those whom you specifically name in your Will...
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What is a Living Will?
A Living Will is a legal document that specifies your wishes regarding life-prolonging medical treatment and makes these wishes known to others.
You may believe that you will communicate such wishes to your family members and doctors if you become seriously ill or if...
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Attorney Scott D. Fisher Speaking at WEHO Chamber Event
We are excited to announce that Attorney Scott D. Fisher will be speaking at the upcoming West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Small Business Seminar Series: Life Gift and Beyond Trusts. This event, hosted by the Mass Mutual Financial Group, is the second in a series of events dedicated to public education on...
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