Uncategorized

Are you putting off estate planning because you think it's only for the wealthy or elderly? Have you been telling yourself that your family will figure everything out, or that a simple will is sufficient? If so, you need to understand some important facts about estate planning that could protect you and your loved ones from future complications. Estate Planning Is Not Just for the Wealthy Many people believe they don't need an estate plan because they aren't "rich enough." The reality is that estate [...]

As an estate planning attorney specializing in LGBTQ+ family legal needs, I've seen firsthand the critical importance of comprehensive estate planning for same-sex couples and non-married partners. Many couples mistakenly believe that legal marriage or long-term commitment automatically protects their interests in California. The reality is far more complex. Each state provides a default estate plan that may not reflect your unique relationship and your wishes. Without a carefully crafted estate plan, your partner could face significant legal challenges: -Medical Decision-Making Barriers – Without specific [...]

If you own a vacation home in Palm Springs, you know it's more than just a property—it's where you and your family are able to come together, make memories, and escape from everyday life. But without proper planning, this special place could become a headache for your loved ones down the road. Let me explain why putting your vacation home in a trust makes good sense. 1. Keep Things Simple By Avoiding Probate When a property isn't in a trust, it has to go through [...]

Our hearts break for the families affected by the devastating Los Angeles fires. As our community comes together to support one another, we're witnessing incredible strength and resilience. While focusing on immediate recovery, these events have also reminded us of something deeply personal – the importance of protecting our loved ones through comprehensive estate planning.

Creating a Living Trust is one of the most effective ways to ensure your assets are managed according to your wishes and ensure you avoid probate after you pass. If you own a home in California, transferring it into a Living Trust is a smart step to protect your property and streamline the distribution process for your heirs. What Is a Living Trust? A Living Trust is a legal document that places your assets, including real estate, under the control of a trust while you [...]

Creating an estate plan is crucial for everyone, but LGBTQ+ individuals and families often face unique considerations that require special attention. Let me share a story about former clients of mine we will call Alexis and Sarah that illustrates why thoughtful estate planning is so essential for our LGBTQ+ community members in California.

Estate planning stands as the foundation for creating lasting family wealth. While many successful individuals in the Palm Springs area focus on building their wealth through business ownership or professional success, protecting and passing on that wealth requires careful planning and legal protection.

I recently had a client we will call Emily Doe. Emily is a 29-year-old content creator and digital entrepreneur who came to me with a unique set of concerns that are becoming increasingly common among young professionals in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Emily has built a successful career that looks nothing like the traditional career paths of previous generations. She owns multiple revenue-generating social media accounts, has invested in cryptocurrency, maintains a thriving online business, and has created digital art collections. When she first [...]

Many people are asking the question: “what will happen next?”. No matter what side of recent events in our County you landed on, you likely have very strong feelings about the outcome. Many people are happy with the outcome. Many people are not. Either way, it is important for everyone to take action and do one thing: Plan ahead. While we do not know exactly what is going to happen next, we can be pretty sure that laws will change. People will be impacted. Your [...]

I recently had a client we will call John Smith. John is a widower who has three adult children and set up his living trust to provide for and protect his family. One of John’s children, we will call Meagan, is a successful businesswoman and has provided John with two wonderful grandchildren. The other two children are problem children. One of his children, who we will call Richard, is a homeless drug addict. The other child, who we will call Darlene, is married to a [...]