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A living trust is a powerful estate planning tool in California, primarily because it helps avoid probate and maintain privacy. However, not every asset belongs in a trust. Knowing what to place in your living trust—and what to leave out—can prevent unnecessary complications and ensure your plan works as intended.   Assets That Should Go Into a Living Trust 1. Real Estate Located in California Your primary residence, vacation home, or rental properties in California are among the most important assets to place in your [...]

As we get older, planning ahead becomes less about “what if” and more about ensuring peace of mind. One of the most effective ways to do that is through a power of attorney. This document allows someone you trust to step in and manage your financial or legal affairs if you become unable to do so yourself.

A pour-over will is a simple but essential part of a complete estate plan. It works alongside your trust to make sure any assets you forgot to transfer during your lifetime are still distributed according to your wishes.

When creating a trust, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a trustee. The trustee is the person or institution responsible for managing the trust’s assets according to your instructions. It is a position of great responsibility, requiring honesty, organization, and good judgment.

Starting your estate plan can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time considering the topic. As an attorney who has spent decades helping families in Palm Springs navigate these decisions, I can tell you that the process is much more approachable than it seems. An estate plan is simply a way to make sure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for if something happens to you. The first step is to take stock of your assets and responsibilities. This [...]

Second marriages can be a wonderful new chapter in life. They often bring renewed companionship, shared dreams, and a sense of stability. At the same time, they can also introduce more complexity into estate planning, especially when both spouses bring assets, children, or even businesses into the marriage. Many couples in Palm Springs find themselves in this exact situation. Perhaps you own a home from your first marriage, while your spouse brings investment accounts or a business into the relationship. You may both have adult [...]

When most people hear the term “estate planning,” they imagine it as something to handle later in life. I often hear, “We’re still young. We don’t have much. Why would we need an estate plan?” The reality is that estate planning is not just about dividing wealth or preparing for retirement. For young families, it is about protection, clarity, and ensuring that loved ones are cared for no matter what happens. After many years of practice, I can assure you that having a plan in [...]