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Estate Planning

Our estate planning attorneys are experts in the field, have Masters in Laws degrees in addition to law degrees, and are Certified Specialists in Estate Planning by the State Bar of California.  We strive to make the estate planning process as easy as possible by providing our clients with sound advice and clear answers to sometimes very complex questions. We are always mindful of drafting provisions with concise and unambiguous language so your wishes are interpreted and followed by your nominated fiduciary, heirs and the courts many years later.

 

Most estate plans, regardless of the size of the estate, begin with a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, an advanced health care directive and a durable power of attorney.

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For more complex estates, the estate plan may also include the following:

  • Irrevocable Trusts

  • Life Insurance Trusts

  • Qualified Personal Residence Trusts

  • Defective Grantor Trusts

  • Charitable Remainder and Lead Trusts

  • Annuity Trusts

  • Creation of Private Foundations

 

We respect that multiple professionals assist our clients in handling their financial affairs and we are always ready to work with them in the estate planning process. Our attorneys are well-adept in working with Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs), Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), and other investment planners. We believe in a strong team approach to creating and drafting a successful estate plan. Together, we will support you and make sure your directives are protected, respected and executed.

 

Along with being well-versed in the management and dispositions of an estate, our attorneys are very knowledgeable about the tax aspect of estate planning. Significant federal estate and gift tax changes continually occur and our attorneys maintain ongoing education to stay informed of the changing laws. Our vast experience includes interpreting and understanding the complex rules and procedures in California’s property tax laws (Proposition 13) that involve transfers to business entities, children, grandchildren and non-family members.

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