San Jose Estate Planning Blog
The SECURE Act: How Does It Affect Your Retirement Accounts?
The SECURE Act: How Does It Affect Your Retirement Accounts? On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act), which became effective on January 1, 2020. The Act is the most impactful legislation...
Why estate plans are more important for business owners
There’s a good chance you’ve thought about estate planning. There’s also a good chance you’ve put it off. Why would you need to plan for your death? You’re not really sure you need to make a plan. And, besides, you’ve got plenty of years ahead of you. Well, we hope...
How can a special needs trust help your special needs child?
As the parent of a special needs child, you know how hard it can be to get through the day. Every task requires more attention. There’s never a break. You love your child, and you’re always ready to meet the next challenge. But how would your child fare if you weren’t...
Why DIY estate planning may not be a great idea
Maybe you’re one of those people who’s always wanted to tackle projects on your own. Cooking. Plumbing. Carpentry. Minor electronics. If there was time and a manual, you were always confident you could fix things yourself. And it was gratifying, too. It feels good to...
What Does the Executor of an Estate Need to Do?
If your father, mother or another loved one named you as their executor, they likely meant it as an honor. It means they trusted you. They felt you were the right person for the job. But—yes—it is a job. Often a big one. Being executor means tending to a lot of...
5 Ways Estate Plans Can Do More Than Transfer Assets
The best estate plans are drafted to meet specific goals. They use just the right combination of tools and strategies. But before you set your goals, you might first want to learn more about what an estate plan can do. You may have already heard that there’s more to...
What can trusts do for you?
If you’ve been thinking about creating an estate plan, you may have learned that wills aren’t the only tools available. In fact, in many cases, wills aren’t even the best tool in your kit. Trusts are often better, and as Barron’s notes, they aren’t just for the...
5 reasons to update your estate plan
Most people don’t take the time to create an estate plan. Instead, they trust the state to distribute their assets according to intestate laws. This means if you’ve written a will or put any of your assets into a trust, you’re already well ahead of the curve. But are...
Understanding the difference between godparents and guardians
Godparents and guardians can both play a significant role in a child's upbringing. However, some may not know there are some differences between the two. While godparents and guardians can be role models throughout a child's life, only one can provide legal protection...
Should you put your California house into a trust?
Many of us make plans thinking that things will always be the same: We will always have relatively good health, our memory and full mobility. But this is, sadly, not always the reality as we age. One question that comes up a lot is whether it is wise to put a house...
