Watching your parents grow older brings a mix of emotions. You may find yourself thinking about how to make sure they’re cared for—not just today, but in the years to come. Estate planning is often thought of in terms of what happens after you pass, but it can also be a powerful...
Estate Planning Tips to Reduce Taxes on Inherited Property in California
Inheriting property in California can be a meaningful gift—one that comes with sentimental value and financial potential. But it can also trigger unexpected tax consequences. Without careful planning, your loved ones may end up paying far more in taxes than they should. That’s why we work with families to help protect their...
Common Terms You’ll Encounter in Estate Planning: A Glossary for Beginners
Estate planning can feel overwhelming at first, especially when legal terms start showing up in conversations or paperwork. You’re trying to make smart choices for your future, not pass the bar exam.
At OC Wills & Trust Attorneys, we work with individuals and families throughout Orange County and Southern...
Essential Guide: What Happens After Your Estate Plan is Complete? Understanding Post-Planning Steps and Requirements
Estate planning is a process, not just a product. While receiving your binder with signed documents is important, it's only the beginning. The binder contains your estate plan - a series of documents that need proper implementation. Your...
Essential Guide to Estate Planning: Understanding Binders, Child Protection & Family Security
The estate planning binder is the foundation of protecting your family's future, containing essential legal documents. However, it's merely the first step in ensuring your family's protection. While the binder houses crucial documents, effective...
How to Plan for Your Estate if You Have Significant Debt
Many people assume estate planning is only for those with significant assets or no outstanding debts. But the truth is, planning becomes even more critical when you carry substantial debt. If you're concerned about what will happen to your financial obligations after you're gone, or how to protect your loved ones from...
The Role of Financial Advisors in Estate Planning
Estate planning isn’t just about creating a will or naming beneficiaries. It’s about making thoughtful decisions to protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and reduce unnecessary stress down the road. To do this right, it often takes more than one professional. While we handle the legal side of your estate...
How Recent Changes in Estate Tax Laws Could Impact Your Plan
Estate tax laws don’t stay still for long, and recent changes are worth paying attention to. If you have an estate plan in place, or if you're thinking about starting one, understanding how these updates affect you is more important than ever. We’re seeing adjustments to the federal estate tax exemption and...
Key Steps to Take Before Setting Up a Living Trust
A living trust is a powerful way to manage what happens to your assets when you pass away. It can help avoid probate, give you more privacy, and make things easier for your loved ones. But before you move forward with setting one up, there are a few things we recommend doing...
The Downsides of Placing Your LLC in a Trust
Thinking about putting your LLC in a trust? It might seem like a smart move, especially when planning for the future of your business. But before you take that step, it’s worth looking at the possible downsides. In California, placing your LLC in a trust can create unintended complications. In this blog,...