Most of us want to avoid thinking about our own death, or losing loved ones we hold dear. Yet it is an inevitable transition we all will face. When death happens unexpectedly, the emotional impact can lead to hasty decisions, and possible tension within a family. By preparing a Final Arrangements memorandum you can help […]

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) is a sweeping revision of the tax code that alters federal law affecting individuals, businesses and estates. Focusing specifically on estate tax law, the TCJA doesn’t repeal the federal gift and estate tax. It does, however, temporarily double the combined gift and estate tax exemption and […]

For families with disabled loved ones who are potentially eligible for means-tested government benefits such as MediCal (known as Medicaid in other states) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), estate planning can be a challenge. On the one hand, you want to provide the most comfortable life possible for your family member. On the other hand, […]

Planning your estate around gifts of specific assets is risky and, in most cases, should be avoided. If you leave specific assets – such as a home, a car or stock – to specific beneficiaries, you could end up disinheriting someone else.