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Practice Areas

Estate Planning

Most people should understand why a living trust is better than a will, and how to convey property to the people you want now, while maintaining all your property rights through your lifetime. Advance planning to maintain needs-based medical coverage is an absolute necessity. If you or a loved one relies upon Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal (what’s the difference?) then you need to include a Special Needs Trust in your estate plan. Don’t disinherit your special-needs child because you think it will disqualify them from benefits. Special Needs Trusts are often used in Worker’s Compensation settlements and Personal Injury litigation. 

Estate Planning services include preparation of Last Will and Testament; Trust Planning, Preparation and Administration; Power of Attorney; Medical Advance Directives; Business Succession Planning; Charitable Planning; Estate Transfer Tax Minimization Strategies; Asset Protection; and establishment of Guardianship and Conservatorship. 

Questions and Next Steps:

Last Will & Testament Services

When it comes to your parents, you don’t want someone just filling in the blanks on a form, you want someone who will put your mom at ease, discuss her concerns and take the burden off your shoulders.

I know that it is hard talking about death and losing someone you dearly love. I know you want the best for your family, and you want your wishes to be followed. Know that our discussions are confidential and privileged, so you can feel free to discuss concerns without judgment. I can point out advantages and disadvantages for your decision-making.

Often my clients say ‘Thank you so much for being so nice to my mom” It’s easy. I regularly volunteer for pro bono legal assistance, and I enjoy helping people and answering questions. Whether it is a dependent adult child still living in grandma’s house, or struggling with drug addiction, there are ways to plan your estate to protect your loved ones (and you). There are ways to preserve the family home and ensure a smooth transition, reduce family conflict and leave a lasting legacy.

Questions and Next Steps:

Trust Planning, Preparation & Administration

Trusts provide privacy, as they are not public record. A will must be submitted to the probate court in order to get an order transferring the assets of one person to another. A trust can specify how to distribute your assets over time and set up triggering events (like the remarriage of a spouse) to dissolve the trust and distribute assets.

Trusts also act as as a way to preserve separate property for your married adult child in the event of divorce, or creditors. A trust can be set up in multiple ways to accomplish your goals. Funding a trust is as simple as changing the title of property to “Living Trust of John and Jane Smith” and does not trigger any change in taxation status or valuation.

Blended families can be difficult. With approrpiate trust planning, you can protect your hard earned assets for your biological children in a blended family, while reserving income for your spouse during their lifetime. Many disputes occur as a result of family conflict, As an outside party, I can provide the services of an independent administrator for the estate if needed.

For example, Special needs trusts protect the assets of a disabled person, and there are ways to protect their assets while continuing to qualify for government benefits. I can help you determine how best to protect your adult dependent while maintaining their independence.

Trust administration requires annual reporting, tax payments, and management of the trust assets. Having a professional administrator prevents family conflict over access to bank accounts and property, while increasing the value of your preserved assets.

Questions and Next Steps:

Let's Work Together

Contact me with your questions or let me know what type of services you require and I will guide you through the next steps.

General Legal Consultations

  • I will gladly provide a single free 15 minute phone consultation for new clients. If I can’t help you, I can at least refer you to another resource to help you.
  • General legal counseling (60-90 minutes) in my office is available by prior appointment. Hourly rate $350 – If you cannot afford an attorney, I suggest utilizing one of these pro bono programs for legal assistance.
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