RECENT POSTS
Protecting Seniors from Holiday Scammers
With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s not just family and friends that are all around us; the scammers are waiting in the shadows as well. According to an Experian blog posted in 2020, one in
2021: Say Hello to California’s New Homestead Exemption
Currently, partial equity in a home in California is exempt from being used to pay a judgment lien on the property. That partial exemption is either $75,000, $100,000 or $175,000, depending on a variety of
Last Week Was National Estate Planning Awareness Week
Did anyone tell you it was National Estate Planning Week? We were not aware. No one sent us a greeting card to remind us. But because we are now thinking about it. . .. Have
What Documents Can I Destroy While Sheltering at Home?
The following are intended to be helpful tips to assist you in clearing some clutter while we have some time at home. 1. Keep your original estate plan documents in a fire-proof environment, wrapped in
When There is Only a Will There’s No Way You’re Avoiding Probate
A common misconception is that when you die with a Will, your heirs avoid probate. In California when you die with a Will and the total assets owned in your sole name exceed $166,250, your
What Happens in California if You Do Not Have an Estate Plan at Your Death?
With the coronavirus pandemic, many people have asked, “what happens if I die without an estate plan?” Without a properly prepared estate plan, California does your planning for you. You will not have a say
Estate Planning Document Execution During Pandemic
Estate planning is more important than ever as COVID-19 continues its spread. Creating a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care will enable you to set forth your health care desires and enable you to
Why Should I Get My Estate Planning Done Now?
Last Sunday I learned that my mother’s dear friend who is very active, hikes daily, gardens daily, does senior yoga weekly, eats a healthy diet, and has many volunteer and social commitments that keep her
SECURE Act Creates Need for Estate Plan Review
Congress recently passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act, or the “Act”) implementing one of the most substantial pieces of retirement plan legislation in years, into law. The bill was
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Trust & Estate Planning Considerations
Gift Tax, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 This week was supposed to be the week Republicans passed a tax bill. It’s unclear what exactly will happen in the immediate future, or