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
Learning from 2020’s Wild Ride
Valley Lawyer, a publication of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association Kira S. Masteller author – December 2020
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
Best Lawyers in America 2021 Edition
Best Lawyers Magazine – August 2020 Michael Hackman: Best Lawyers in America, Tax Law Andrew L. Shapiro: Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation Sue M. Bendavid: Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law – Management David Gurnick: Best Lawyers
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
COVID-19 Resources
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have created this resource page to help our clients during these challenging times. Please feel free to contact our attorneys and staff using all regular contact information, including
COVID-19 Information re Trust & Estate and Tax Planning
What Documents Can I Destroy While Sheltering at Home? – Michael Hackman & Kira S. Masteller What Happens in California if You Do Not Have an Estate Plan at Your Death? – Kira S. Masteller
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