What Happens When Your Trust is Not Properly Funded?

What is a Living Trust? A Living Trust is a vehicle created to hold and protect your stuff for your kids without court involvement. Trusts allow you greater control over what happens both during your lifetime and after your death. They protect your assets, which helps your loved ones avoid probate. Trusts also allow you […]

I Just Bought a House. How Do I Put it in My Trust?

If you’ve had any experience dealing with the housing market, you know how daunting the process can be. If you’ve recently bought a home, you’re probably still trying to get settled, on top of handling new payments and filling out all kinds of paperwork.    Amidst all the chaos and excitement of moving, there’s another […]

My Spouse Just Died. What Do I Do Now?

We receive this call often: “My spouse just passed away.  What do I do now?” During this understandably difficult, jarring time for the person calling, we help them get organized, and stabilized, in the following areas:   Mental Health When did the spouse pass away?  If it’s very recent, the caller is likely to be […]

Protecting Your Cryptocurrency

Whether you own cryptocurrency or you’re still struggling to grasp the concept, it is still an asset that requires proper handling and knowledge. Crypto can be tricky, but with the right tools, you can take steps to protect yours in a Living Trust by designating beneficiaries, leaving instructions, and documenting your access keys securely.   […]

You Wouldn’t Trust Your Pet to Just Anyone, Would You?

When thinking about leaving things to your loved ones after you’re gone, the first things that typically come to mind are your home, vehicle, and other personal belongings. But for the pet owners out there, it’s important to ask the question: “who would I trust to take care of my pets?”   Video: Dave explains […]

10 Steps to Writing a Will

What is a Will? A Will is a document that puts your intentions in writing so your family knows exactly what you want to happen when you’re no longer around. Wills are useful in documenting your wishes but generally don’t help to avoid probate.   Wills typically include: What you want to happen to your […]

8 Benefits of Consulting an Estate Planning Attorney

Having an estate plan ensures that your affairs are in order and that your wishes are followed when you’re no longer around. There are many benefits to consulting an attorney when you begin your estate planning journey.    Importance of Estate Planning Preparing for the future – you and your loved ones will be taken […]

Asset Protection Planning

What is Asset Protection? Different methods used to protect someone’s assets from creditors in the event of a divorce, lawsuit, bankruptcy, or other debt-incurring events. These methods include: Insurance – policies can provide coverage for damage Business entities – corporations, LLCs can help protect business assets Transferring property titles – someone else legally owns the […]

The Living Trust as a Sleigh

Living Trust jargon can be confusing, but Santa Claus and his sleigh are here to help! Think of The Living Trust as a Sleigh:   Santa & Mrs. Claus: Settlor/Grantor/Trustor Santa and Mrs. Claus created, maintain, and update Santa’s sleigh. Like the manufacturer of a vehicle, you design, build, and name your Trust. During your lifetime(s), you’ll continue […]

Estate and Incapacity Planning in California

What is Incapacity Planning? Planning for incapacity means that you are prepared in the event that you aren’t able to make decisions or communicate for yourself, often due to illness. This includes choosing someone you trust to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if needed. Since incapacity can happen to anyone at any […]