Archive for July 2021
Undue Influence and How It Affects Estate Planning in California
The most vulnerable in our society, the elderly or ill, sometimes fall victim to scams and cons. Targeted attacks on vulnerable older people to exert what attorneys deem “undue influence” constitutes elder abuse. It disrupts the older persons’ impulse to provide for loved ones and instead leaves assets to the manipulator. Often, family members do…
Read MoreCalifornia Gift Taxes Explained
When an asset, such as property or cash, is transferred to another person without getting anything in return a gift tax may be applied. The asset has to be of a certain value for the tax to apply; otherwise, it falls under the gift tax exclusion, either annual or lifetime. If the gift is above…
Read More“For the 99.5% Act” and How It Can Affect Estate Planning in California
On March 25th, 2021 a new bill, “For the 99.5% Act,” was introduced into Congress by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Jimmy Gomez. The bill’s current form is only 18 pages long, but its potential impact on federal estate and gift tax laws significantly affects estate planning. While it is impossible to determine if the…
Read MoreThe Power of a Simple Act of Kindness
A simple act of kindness can have a huge impact. For example (and this is by no means an exhaustive list), saying “hello” to the passerby, asking someone how they are doing, calling a person by name, saying “thank you for your service” to veterans and first responders, checking-in with a friend or family member to…
Read MoreThe Rights of Beneficiaries in a Trust
A trust is a great mechanism for handling estate business and it can be beneficial to anyone with any number of assets, concerns, or circumstances. For example: You want to keep your affairs private and stay out of probate court; Maybe you have stepchildren; You may wish to leave money to your favorite charities; You…
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