Estate planning | The importance of an attorney

When making an estate plan, it is important to ensure that everything is done in accordance with the law. An effective estate plan will help ensure that your assets are managed efficiently and according to your wishes. Skilled Lakeport CA estate planning lawyers can help you develop an estate plan that is specific to your […]

posted on: March 26, 2021

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What to Consider when Selecting a Trustee

Are you thinking of estate planning? One of the main steps to take in this process is to choose a trustee to manage your trust estate. Essentially, this is a person who will manage all aspects of the trust estate and make major decisions related to it. Given the important nature of the position, the […]

posted on: July 7, 2020

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Tax Free Savings for the College and Disability Needs of the Blind and Disabled.

On January 1, 2016, many blind and disabled residents of California will become eligible to establish tax free accounts under the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (“ABLE Accounts”) to save for future educational and disability related expenses.  ABLE accounts extend the benefits of 529 college savings plans to disabled persons to include […]

posted on: October 26, 2015

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The pitfalls of do it yourself estate planning.

          Some people choose to prepare their own estate planning documents using “do it yourself” estate planning programs in order to avoid attorney fees.  Having administered some wills and trusts that were so drafted by now deceased laypersons I can provide some observations regarding possible pitfalls.            Having a trust that is […]

posted on: January 26, 2015

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Preserving the Family Legacy

          Some people wish to pass down more than just their material wealth to their surviving descendants.  They also wish to transfer their important values, life experiences and family traditions. All of which can help to shape the character and lifestyles of their descendants.  Let us consider how such goals can be […]

posted on: January 26, 2015

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The Confidential Marriage

          The elderly and sick people who live alone and are isolated are unfortunate targets for predators who befriend them, become caregivers, and insinuate themselves into the elderly person’s estate.  Accordingly, California law presumes that certain gifts by elderly persons — 65 and over — to their unrelated caregivers, are the result […]

posted on: January 26, 2015

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The Character of Assets

Whether assets are community property (belonging equally to both spouses, separate property (belonging wholly to one spouse) or mixed (partially separate and partially community) is an important issue when a marriage ends at death or divorce.  Let us consider some examples involving life insurance, retirement plans and home purchases where the lines can get blurred. […]

posted on: January 26, 2015

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Is Something Missing?

            Is something missing in your estate plan?  Do the documents that you rely upon still serve you and your loved-ones? There are certain recurring estate planning short comings to be aware of.  Let’s discuss some important ones.             In the event of incapacity is the power of attorney and living […]

posted on: January 26, 2015

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Lake County Land Trust – 20 years on.

          Twenty years since its creation, the Lake County Land Trust (“LCLT”) is going strong in its vital mission, “… to protect the unique and valuable wildlife habitats in Lake County, particularly on Clear Lake.” Let’s examine the LCLT’s successes, its ambitious new project, and how you can participate and contribute.           […]

posted on: January 26, 2015

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Protecting a Minor’s Inheritance

            Leaving an inheritance outright to a minor raises various concerns.  Let us consider some important concerns and possible solutions.             A frequent concern is that anything left to a minor may be taken away and used by a self-serving parent.  For example, consider a couple who names their now single […]

posted on: January 26, 2015

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