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One of the things that makes managing legal issues so challenging is that the laws are always changing. This blog is designed to help you stay current on many of the latest changes.

Three Documents You Need to Sign

People are more likely than ever to live long into old age. While improved life spans allow many to lead fuller and longer lives, the downside is that many people will live their final years with diminished mental capacity. For example, one in eight baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease after they turn age 65. […]

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Removing Money from Trusts to Avoid Tax Bills

Trusts have been hit hard this year with two separate taxes. First, a 3.8 percent tax on net investment income as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act took effect on January 1, 2013. Second, the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which became law on January 2, 2013, increased both income and capital gains […]

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What a Trust Protector is, and Why You Need One

Trust funds are a widely used device in the realm of estate planning. Different types of trust accounts have sprung up to suit the needs of various individuals and entities. The basic idea of a trust fund, however, is the same. Through a trust, assets are legally held for one person by another person or […]

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Beware of Estate Planning Myths

A recent article in Forbes declared estate planning to be the most confusing area of law. This is unfortunate because estate planning applies to everyone, without exception. Often, confusion is based on common estate planning myths, leading to mistakes that are easily avoidable. According to Forbes, the ten most common estate planning myths are: MYTH […]

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Learning From Celebrities – Estate Planning Gone Wrong

Celebrities are constantly demonstrating the “what not to do” of estate planning. An article in Forbes discusses the top estate planning mistakes made by celebrities, and what we can learn from them. First and foremost, take the time to write a will, no matter how old, healthy, or busy you are. Before Sonny Bono died […]

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What Happens Without a Will?

Although it is important for virtually everyone to have a will, many people continue to die intestate — without a will — every year. If you are one of those people without a will, it is important that you take a moment to determine what will happen to your assets when you are gone. If […]

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Common Questions About Advance Health Care Directives

One term commonly thrown around by estate planners is “Advance Health Care Directive.” But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Below are some frequently asked questions about advance health care directives. What is an Advance Health Care Directive? An advance health care directive is an instrument in a legal document wherein a […]

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Finding a Trustee that You Can Trust

Who you select to serve as trustee of your trust account is likely one of the most important and difficult estate planning decisions that you will make. After you are gone, it will be this person’s responsibility to ensure that your chosen beneficiaries are cared for in the way that you dictated in your final […]

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Did I Revoke My Will?

Often times throughout a person’s life there will be reason to amend or re-draft a will. To ensure that you final wishes are carried out as you have specified, it is important to properly revoke any prior will. According to California Probate Code Section 6120, a will may either be revoked by (1) a subsequent […]

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