Nowadays, many people find happiness in a new marriage following a divorce or death of a spouse. In fact, approximately 40% of all marriages involve at least one partner who is entering a second marriage. In some of these families, either or both partners may have...
Helping You Through Times of Change
Bay Area Estate Planning and Family Law Blog
The 2024 changes in generation-skipping transfer taxes
Skipping a generation when transferring your assets can prevent paying the federal estate taxes twice. However, this process is not entirely tax-exempt. A generation-skipping transfer tax applies to transfers to relatives more than one generation younger and gifts to...
The complexities of dying intestate
If you pass away without a will, the state considers you to have died “intestate.” This means that the court will decide the distribution of your properties among your heirs. Depending on the complexity of your assets and the response of your beneficiaries, the...
Understanding Restraining Orders in Divorce
Restraining orders can play a significant role in divorce proceedings, particularly in situations involving safety or protection concerns. Understanding how these orders work is necessary to ensure all parties' well-being. A Contra Costa County restraining order in...
5 benefits of anticipating potential probate issues
It is no secret that probate is a complex process and involved parties come across issues more often than not. Nonetheless, anticipating potential roadblocks in probate allows for better preparation. It can lead to a smoother process and potentially reduce the time...
Why you should consider creating a trust for your pet
Your pet is more than just an animal, they are your family. They are a living, furry confidant who has provided you joy like no other. Yet, have you considered what may happen to your animal companion if something unexpected happens to you? Few people do. In...
Why young adults should engage in estate planning, too
Talks on creating trusts, wills and estate plans often involve people aged 50 and above. They usually have worked for many years, bought properties or are supporting dependents. Estate planning, though, doesn’t only apply to experienced individuals. Any adult in...
What’s the difference between general and limited conservatorship?
Both general and limited conservatorship address the care and management of individuals who are unable to fully care for themselves or handle their own affairs. Understandably, many confuse one over the other, not truly knowing which one is applicable to their...
Should you create a trust when you already have a will?
When creating their estate plan, many individuals believe that a will is sufficient to ensure their wishes are carried out after their passing. However, this is a common misconception in estate planning. While a will is an essential component of an estate plan, it is...
3 mistakes that can disrupt your divorce case
Going through a divorce gets complicated enough without making preventable mistakes that can negatively impact your case. Unfortunately, many people are unfamiliar with the most common errors that can disrupt proceedings. There are several things to avoid when you are...