Ensuring your affairs are organized and your loved ones are cared for when you're gone is a top priority. To protect your legacy, you need an estate plan. This is a set of legal documents outlining what will happen with your assets and financial affairs when you pass...
Burlingame Legal Issues Blog
Living Trust vs Will in California: Which Do You Need?
If you live in California, you may explore estate planning options within the state. It can be difficult to decide whether a will or a trust is the correct mechanism for you, as each has unique features and benefits. It's important to understand both options before...
Estate Tax Sunset in 2026: What to Know and How to Prepare
The current record-high federal estate and gift tax exemptions are set to expire in 2026. Currently, people can gift a certain amount during their lifetimes, but these limits could be halved in 2026 unless Congress extends the duration or makes the amendments...
California Trust Administration Checklist
The job of caring for assets after a loved one's death involves various important and complex duties. This person — known as a trustee — will be responsible for filing income tax returns, communicating with the people who will receive the assets and managing the...
Understanding Probate Administration in California
What is Probate Administration? How Does Probate Work in California? When is Probate Required in California? Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets Have you considered what will happen to your assets when you pass on? To whom and how you designate your assets prior to your...
Estate Planning for Business Owners
What is Estate Planning for Business Owners? Estate Planning Considerations for Business Owners Business Estate Planning Tools Consulting With an Attorney As a business owner, it's essential to plan ahead and determine how your business should progress in your...
What Is a Revocable Trust and How It Works in California
What is a Revocable Living Trust? Advantages of a Revocable Trust Consulting With an Attorney Living trusts are a helpful estate planning tool that can allow you to avoid the frustrations and fees associated with probate. Probate is the court process required to...
Duties of an Executor
What is an Executor? What an Executor Can Do What an Executor Cannot Do Executor Responsibilities to Beneficiaries What Are the Duties of an Executor of a Will in California? How Long Does an Executor Have to Distribute Assets in California? What Happens If an...
Property Tax Transfers
What Is Prop 19 in Simple Terms? How Does Prop 19 Change Taxation of Family Property Transfers? Does Prop 19 Affect Inheritance? Does Prop 19 Affect Property Held in Trust? Is Prop 19 Retroactive on Inherited Properties? How Do You Avoid Property Reassessment in Prop...
Guide to Understanding Common Legal Terms Associated With Estate Planning Including Wills and Trusts
What is an Estate Plan? Other Important Legal Terms to Understand The Importance of Estate Planning Estate Planning Checklist Estate planning is a necessity when it comes to protecting your loved ones and assets after your death. There is a lot to understand when...