All posts by Jim

How to include your charitable causes in your living trust and estate plan

Estate Planning, Living Trust

People are often invested deeply in their charitable causes. Some give their money. Some donate their time. Some share their talent. To them, their charitable causes are an important part of who they are. It is important for such clients to discuss with their attorney whether they want that legacy to continue in their estate plan … Continue reading How to include your charitable causes in your living trust and estate plan →

Your family tree: its due process importance in estate administration, trust administration, and conservatorships

Conservatorship, Elder Law, Family, Probate, Trust Administration

Due process and California law requires that your closest blood relatives* be notified by the person in charge of your estate if you died or became incompetent in each of these California contexts: If probate is required because you died without a will, your administrator must notify your heirs*, as your heirs are those who … Continue reading Your family tree: its due process importance in estate administration, trust administration, and conservatorships →

Trust inheritance provision to help your beneficiary buy a home

Estate Planning, Family, Living Trust

Your living trust can provide that, after your death, wealth remains in trust for your child (or other intended beneficiary) to help with designated purposes. Well known examples of such purposes are health and education. But another purpose is help with buying a house. For example, your trust could provide that, after your death, the trustee may … Continue reading Trust inheritance provision to help your beneficiary buy a home →

Trust provisions to protect your children’s inheritance from in-laws

Estate Planning, Family, Living Trust

Just because California is a community property State does not mean that an inheritance here is community property. For a married Californian, property received by gift or inheritance is separate property, not community property. For many parents, that fact alone is enough protection for a child’s inheritance. Perhaps most parents have confidence that their children will do … Continue reading Trust provisions to protect your children’s inheritance from in-laws →