Divorce changes more than your personal life—it reshapes your entire estate plan. From wills and trusts to beneficiary designations and healthcare directives, every document that once reflected trust between spouses must be reevaluated. Brian Chew, Managing Partner at OC Wills and Trusts, explains why failing to update these documents can leave you...
Many California families assume that if they pass away without a will or trust, their loved ones will automatically “figure things out.” In reality, dying without an estate plan—known legally as dying intestate—triggers a costly and time-consuming process that often leaves families frustrated and financially strained.
In this episode...
Blended families and second marriages bring love, joy, and complexity—but they also create unique estate planning challenges. In this episode of Estate Planning Beyond the Binder, Brian Chew, Managing Partner at OC Wills and Trusts, shares insights on how to protect both a surviving spouse and children from prior relationships, while avoiding...
An estate plan is only as strong as the people chosen to carry it out. From trustees and guardians to powers of attorney, these roles hold immense responsibility. Brian Chew, Managing Partner at OC Wills and Trusts, explains how to make these critical decisions, what qualities to prioritize, and the pitfalls families...
Many married couples assume their spouse will automatically be allowed to make medical decisions if something goes wrong. While that may seem like common sense, the reality isn’t always that simple. Hospitals and healthcare providers often need more than just a marriage certificate when determining who can speak for an incapacitated patient.
Estate planning attorney Brian Chew, Managing Partner at OC Wills and Trusts, explained that one of the biggest dangers he sees in his practice comes from misinformation. Whether it’s advice from the internet or misconceptions passed down through conversations, families often...
Brian Chew explained that many parents consider adding their children to the title as a way to avoid probate. The thought process is that when a parent passes away, the child already listed...
Brian Chew explained that the most common reason to update an estate plan is changing relationships, not just changing assets. Events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, or the passing of a loved one often...
Effective estate planning ensures family wealth is preserved across generations, and dynasty trusts offer a robust solution for achieving this goal. This episode of Estate Planning Beyond the Binder examines dynasty trusts in California, detailing their role in providing lifetime asset protection for children against creditors, divorce, and poor financial...
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...
