I do a lot of work with high net worth families and individuals who like the idea of paying less tax when they die. Right now there is an incredible opportunity and that opportunity could expire at the end of the year. Right now each of us can give away $5.12m tax free. Yes, of […]

I found this Forbes magazine article useful when it came out in December of 2010 and then was reminded of it today. It provides a great summary regarding the federal tax laws that took effect in December 2010. These laws related to gift, estate and income tax at the federal (IRS) level.  Remember those laws […]

California Probate Form DE-120 Notice of Hearing is the form sent for notice of most hearings in probate Court. It provides the court name, address, location, courtroom number or department number, time and the type of matter being heard.  In most cases notice is required to be mailed 15 days before the hearing. The proof […]

California Probate Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate is used whenever a new probate is started. That is when a person seeks Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration they would use this form to let all interested parties know what is going on. It shows the petition filed, the date, time, place, courtroom, […]

I just read a great article on Forbes that connects estate planning with the Tupac Shakur concert last week at Cochella.  That is the use of Tupac’s hologram to perform on stage with Dr. Dre and Snoop.  If this trend takes off can you imagine the increased royalties for celebs like Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley?  I […]

There are dozens of forms used in a California probate.  Some are created by the statewide Judicial Council, others by the local county probate Court, others by county assessors and record’s office, and many attorney drafted forms.  However, it all starts with DE-111 the PETITION FOR PROBATE.  In California this is the starting point of […]

As a fiduciary (trustee, executor, administrator, personal representative, power of attorney or attorney in fact) you should have a professional Realtor working for you.  While the Realtor should do many things here are a list of 10 to keep in mind. 10 THINGS YOUR REALTOR SHOULD PROVIDE TO THE FIDUCIARY 1) Market Analysis Report in […]

After 18 years in the trust and estate field of law I have seen enough situations which would suggest family members should NEVER BE used as executor, trustee, power of attorney or in other position of authority in your California estate plan.  This may seem like an exaggeration and maybe it is but only slightly. […]

The foreclosure process is, of course, much longer than just 5 steps. However, for California probate purposes these are the basics. Of course when dealing with a foreclosure in a trust, estate or probate situation you should hire a California lawyer who specializes in this area of law.  The 5 steps are: Step 1 Notice of […]

We really do probates in all counties of California and we do it well!  In most cases we do not have to ever appear in Court so we can usually stay right here at our main office in Sacramento. However, on the occasion a Court appearance is needed we can “appear” telephonically through CourtCall. This […]