Many people know that you can search for lost money on the California Secretary of State website as well as similar sites in most every other state in the union. Also, foundmoney.com is another great resource. Lost money, found money, unclaimed property, or whatever you want to call it. They are ASSETS that should be […]

I saw the following in Stephen Leimberg’s Estate Planning Newsletter.  This week’s issue written by Marty Shenkman and Bob Keebler who are well known national experts on tax law. I will quote Mr. Shenkman and Mr. Keebler’s words and then provide a couple of points below that as my added commentary: “Likely Changes to the Current […]

California is a community property state, a distinction that may have significant estate planning consequences for couples who live here. When dealing with specifics assets, the first thing that must be determined is the classification of the property, whether it is community or separate. According to California Family Code § 760, community property is everything […]

With a little careful planning, you may be able to avoid the probate question, or probate “problem,” all together. Avoiding probate saves money and greatly reduces the strain placed on your family by time in court. A meeting with an estate-planning attorney can help you figure out how to structure your estate so that probate […]

Several years ago I had a video professionally made. It was through our yellowpages.com advertisement which we don’t even do anymore. I felt the video was too canned and just not who I am.  I wanted my clients and potential clients to know ME.  Please check out my video on my Youtube channel and let […]

Sunday is a nice day to spend with family. My family often goes to breakfast at our favorite restaurnt, the Original Pancake House in Roseville, California.  We often see friends there which is nice.  Of course when you spend this time with family it can make you reflect on the importance of planning for your family. […]

Like most things in life preparing wills and trusts is something you can not learn in one day. In fact, you can’t learn it in one year.  I was reminded of this last week at a continuing education seminar I attended. I have been doing this type of work since 1994 and, in fact, been […]

The percentage of people that actually have a completed estate plan is pretty low.  I don’t know the exact number but it’s well under 50% and could easily be under 20%.  Of those 20-50% of the people who were organized enough to get your estate plan done in the first place should you review it […]

Your attorney has recommend you go to mediation to settle the dispute with your brother related to your mom or dad’s death.  Or maybe the probate Judge has ordered you to go to mediation before they will hear your case any more in Court.  Will mediation help you settle your dispute?  In this attorney’s opinion […]

If you drive a Lexus do you take it to the Ford dealer to get serviced?  Likewise, if you drive a Buick do you take it to Honda dealership for service? My guess is you don’t. My guess is you want someone who specializes in your type of car to fix your car.  What about […]