Blog - San Clemente Estate Law

Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies

November 13, 2019

If you are simply too overwhelmed to call us during the first couple of weeks after your loved one passes away, it is important to keep in mind that there are several practical and legal considerations that the person named as the executor of the estate or trustee of the trust should address in the initial weeks following the death, prior to the administration of the estate or trust.

Estate Planning Awareness Week: Having a Conversation with Your Family About Their Estate Plan

November 6, 2019

In 2008, Congress recognized the need for the public to understand the importance and benefits of estate planning by passing House Resolution 1499, which designated the third week of October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week.

Important Considerations for Beneficiary Designations of Life Insurance Policies

September 26, 2019

Life insurance is often one of the most important parts of an estate plan. People usually purchase life insurance to prevent their spouse, children, or other dependents from suffering financial hardship if they die unexpectedly.

HAVE YOU TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT PLANNING WINDOW?

July 11, 2018

Like all things, tax laws are constantly changing. Together, we need to respond quickly and strategically to the new developments in the tax law landscape. While you shouldn’t wait to review your estate plan in light of the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), making a knee-jerk reaction is rarely the best course of action, either.

PLANNING FOR THE FINANCIAL FUTURE OF A TROUBLED ADULT CHILD

June 11, 2018

Are you concerned about any of your adult children? Estate planning can pose extra challenges for families with adult children struggling with addiction, marital issues, or irresponsibility with money. The last thing you want is for your wealth to end up having a negative impact on your child, or to see them squander their inheritance.

5 THINGS YOUR GRADUATE SHOULD DO BEFORE COLLEGE

May 16, 2018

May is graduation month. This is a time when many of you are celebrating a child’s academic achievements, and even getting ready to send them off to college. During this hectic time do not overlook important estate planning matters. My own daughter is graduating this month from college. Thankfully she took Mom’s advice. With her being away from home, having these documents in place made emergencies easier to handle.

3 TIPS TO PASS ON FINANCIAL WISDOM TO YOUR BENEFICIARIES

April 17, 2018

A recent study carried by Ohio University shows that an astonishing 33 percent of all beneficiaries in the US lose their entire inheritance within two years of receiving it. This is either because they don’t know how to properly manage their money, or they misuse their wealth on an unsustainable lifestyle, spelling trouble in future.

WILLS AND TRUSTS AND INTESTATE SUCCESSION. OH MY!

March 21, 2018

Have you wondered whether you have the right estate planning documents in place? Should you have a will or a trust? Do you need an estate plan at all?