Serving as a successor trustee can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re balancing grief with legal and financial responsibilities. In this guide, I walk you through the trust administration process in California, step by step. You’ll learn what’s required, common mistakes to avoid, and how to confidently fulfill your duties while honoring your loved one’s legacy. READ MORE
Posts Categorized: Estate Planning
Why It Matters to Your Loved Ones That You Work With the Right Lawyer
Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added burden of legal confusion and court delays. Learn how working with the right estate planning attorney can spare your family from unnecessary stress, protect your assets, and make the process easier when it matters most. Discover how a Life & Legacy Plan can give your loved ones clarity, protection, and peace of mind. READ MORE
Planning to Protect Your Assets
Protecting your assets isn’t just about money – it’s about preserving everything you’ve worked hard for and making sure your loved ones are cared for. This article explains how the right planning can safeguard your assets from unexpected events and prevent them from getting stuck in court. Learn how a Life & Legacy Plan can give you lasting peace of mind and true financial security. READ MORE
Why You Don’t Want an Initial Consultation, But a Life & Legacy Planning® Session Instead
Many people believe estate planning starts with a quick consultation and ends with a stack of documents – but that approach often leaves families unprotected. A Life & Legacy Planning® Session is different. It’s an in-depth, working meeting where we uncover what truly matters to you, explain how the law applies to your unique situation, and guide you to make informed decisions that protect your loved ones now and in the future. READ MORE
The Hidden Risks of Growing Older Without a Life & Legacy Plan
Growing older without a clear plan can leave you vulnerable and put unnecessary stress on your loved ones. More people than ever are aging alone, and even when family is nearby, the realities of care can create conflict and confusion. A Life & Legacy Plan ensures your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your family is spared from making painful decisions in a crisis. READ MORE
LGBTQIA+ History Month: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future
October is LGBTQIA+ History Month—a time to honor the struggles and victories of the past while taking steps to protect the future. For LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, legal planning is essential to ensure that your chosen family is protected, your wishes are honored, and your legacy is secure. A Life & Legacy Plan® offers peace of mind by going beyond documents to provide real protection, advocacy, and care. READ MORE
End-of-Life Communication and Care: A Struggle Most Physicians Encounter
Talking about death is never easy – for patients, families, or even doctors. Many physicians are not trained to handle these difficult conversations. By putting a clear Advance Medical Directive and HIPAA releases in place, you can make things easier for your loved ones and your healthcare providers when it matters most. READ MORE
Living With Loss: The Daily Impact of Grief and the Gift of Planning Ahead
Grief changes everything – your routines, your relationships, even how your body feels. But while you can’t stop your loved ones from experiencing loss, you can make choices today that ease their burden later. Learn how Life & Legacy Planning® helps protect your family from added stress, conflict, and confusion when they need peace most. READ MORE
A Lifetime Asset Protection Trust Can Safeguard Your Child’s Inheritance
Your child’s inheritance can vanish faster than you think – whether from divorce, lawsuits, or even one costly mistake. A Lifetime Asset Protection Trust (LAPT) safeguards their future by keeping assets protected for life, while also teaching financial responsibility. READ MORE
The Surprising Connection Between Meal Planning and Estate Planning Done the Right Way
Meal planning isn’t just about what’s for dinner – it’s about how you use your time, money, and energy. The same is true for estate planning. Discover how the simple act of planning ahead – whether in the kitchen or with your life and legacy – can protect your family’s future and give them lasting peace of mind. READ MORE
Protect Your Family from Wealth’s Dark Side with a Lifetime Asset Protection Trust
Money can be a blessing – or a burden – when passed to the next generation. Without protection, inheritances are at risk of being lost to divorce, lawsuits, poor spending, or even dangerous influences. Learn how a Lifetime Asset Protection Trust can safeguard your family’s wealth and ensure it truly benefits your loved ones for life. READ MORE
Don’t Lose Your Family Stories: How to Preserve Your Legacy Before It’s Too Late
Too often, family stories disappear when loved ones pass away. These memories – of courage, love, and resilience – are just as important as money or property in creating a legacy that lasts. In this article, I’ll share why preserving your family’s stories is essential, how to start capturing them, and how my Life & Legacy Planning® process ensures they’re never lost. READ MORE
Divorcing? Here’s What You Should Know About How it May Affect Your Trust
Divorce can significantly affect your trust and estate plan, often in ways you don’t expect. Whether your trust is revocable or irrevocable, or your state follows community property laws, failing to update your plan could leave your assets vulnerable or distributed in unintended ways. Reviewing your trust during divorce is essential to protect your wishes and secure your family’s future. READ MORE
The $1.5 Million Estate Planning Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make
When it comes to estate planning, even a small mistake can cost your family millions. The Rowland family in Ohio learned this the hard way when a missing detail on an estate tax return resulted in a $1.5 million tax bill. Their story is a powerful reminder that “good enough” planning isn’t enough. As an estate planning attorney, I know the key to protecting your family’s future isn’t just having documents – it’s having a plan that actually works when it’s needed most. READ MORE
When Every Dollar Counts: How Labor Day Reminds Us That Life & Legacy Planning Is More Essential Than Ever
This Labor Day reminds us that while we honor the American worker, rising costs make every dollar more important than ever. For families already feeling the financial squeeze, estate planning isn’t a luxury – it’s essential. Without a plan, your loved ones risk losing time, money, and stability in probate court. With Life & Legacy Planning, you can make sure your hard-earned assets are protected and your family receives not just your wealth, but your love and care. READ MORE