Happy Birthday! Your Child is a Legal Adult

Article, Estate Planning

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY! YOUR CHILD IS A LEGAL ADULT! Do you have a child that just turned 18 who is going off to college or beginning a new chapter in their life? It’s an exciting time where they’re thinking about what school they’re deciding on, what majors they’re...

Proposed Legislation that may Trigger Reassessment of Commercial Property

Article, Estate Planning

PROPOSED LEGISLATION MAY TRIGGER REASSESSMENT OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AND MAY TRIGGER REASSESSMENT ON TRANSFER OF YOUR HOME TO YOUR CHILDREN Proposition 13, approved by voters in 1978, set a landmark measure that set property taxes at a low rate in California....

Property Tax Reduction on the 2018 November Ballet

Article, Estate Planning, wealth preservation

** Previously reported this article stated that there was no age limitation which is an error. The age limitation is 55 years or older. ** On next November’s ballot, California Proposition 5, the “Property Tax Transfer Initiative,” would add a wrinkle to existing...

Truths and Myths About Estate Planning

Article, Estate Planning, wealth preservation

Truths –  An estate plan that utilizes a “fully funded” revocable living trust avoids probate. Fully funded means that all appropriate assets are titled in the name of the trustees of the trust. Please note, retirement plans should not be retitled to your trust!...

International Estate Planning Basics

Article, Estate Planning

Estate Tax Exclusion amount in 2009 available to a non US citizen who is a resident is $3,500,000. Estate Tax Exclusion amount in 2009 available to a nonresident noncitizen spouse limited to $60,000. Gift Tax Exclusion amount in 2009 available to a non US citizen who...