Many people are unaware that California has resources to help people with drafting key estate planning documents for free. If you enjoy doing things “DIY”, then you may find the following information helpful. California has statutory forms for wills, advanced health care directives and powers of attorney. By “statutory,” I mean that these forms are literally part of the law…

Transmutation: rare genetic disorder or a California legal rule that governs how spouses transfer property to each other? If you picked the latter choice, then you are correct!  As your reward, you will receive important information that many estate planners overlook–how to properly pass property between spouses. Most people assume that giving title of property to someone with a deed…

Many people assume that only wealthy people need a trust.  While wealthy people have a lot to benefit from in placing many assets into their trust, it is not a device that is solely for those with lots of money and assets. I tell my clients the following: if you own a home and a retirement account, then you are…