I am meeting with a client to sign her trust and other California estate planning documents later today. She has no close relatives so instead is leaving her estate to about 10 different non-profit organizations. Medical research, animals, and educational institutions for this woman. She has a connection to each organization and she is genuinely […]

This is an article written about 10 years ago but the principles remain the same.  Let’s chat about a more updated version of CRUTs and CRATs and how they apply to YOUR estate plan!  -John INTRODUCTION Is it possible for you to get a current income tax deduction, avoid the capitals gain tax on the […]

I pulled this snip-it off of Reuters.com regarding Steve Jobs’ death: “JOBS’ ESTATE: CONFIDENTIAL? Jobs, in his trademark uniform of black mock-turtleneck and blue jeans, was deemed the heart and soul of a company that rivals Exxon Mobil as the most valuable in America.  With an estimated net worth of $7 billion — including a […]

I had the pleasure of going to a presentation yesterday as part of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Philanthropic Advisor’s Forum. It’s a group of other professionals (estate planning attorneys, CPAs, financial planners, etc…) who deal with clients who give to charities.  One speaker, Scott Hanson (from Hanson McClain Advisors), spoke about this new project […]

Today is the grand opening of the Sacramento Children’s Museum.  My wife, Kathleen, is the founder of this museum. I still remember the day in late 2004 or early 2005 that we were driving home from the Bay Area, having enjoyed our visit to Berkelely’s Habitot, we were around Dixon or Davis, and she said, […]