Author Archives: admin
Should You Use a Legal Software System for Estate Planning?
There are a plethora of options available for those wanting to prepare an estate plan with legal software, or an online legal software system. In fact, there are a number of well known personalities who sell their legal software “products” … Continue reading
Is the STOLI a Faustian Bargain?
All our times have comeHere but now they’re gone Seasons don’t fear the reaper Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain..we can be like they are Come on baby…don’t fear the reaper Baby take my hand…don’t fear the … Continue reading
Discount Wars, Part I
The Family Limited Partnership (“FLP”) is often used to transfer interests to family members on a “discounted” basis, thereby lowering or sometimes even eliminating transfer taxes. The idea is to use a “discount” so that the value of the property … Continue reading
Happy Thanksgiving to All
I want to wish my readers a very happy Thanksgiving.
Very Little to Do With Estate or Financial Planning…
I have been trying to figure out how to fit this into estate or financial planning. Here is one idea: Always lock your door to perhaps reduce insurance claims? That one is a stretch. Perhaps I should just admit that … Continue reading
A New Pet Trust Statute for Californians
The California Legislature recently enacted a new Pet Trust Statute. Delaware recently enacted a similar law. Here are some highlights of California’s new law, which will be placed in the California Probate Code as section 15212 : • Lawful for … Continue reading
Confessions of a Southern California Estate Planning attorney, Part II (We are all business owners)
Last time I addressed the natural reaction most have when considering our estate plans. What I mean, of course, is the natural procrastination. Estate planning reminds us of our mortality — something many of us simply do not wish to … Continue reading
Confessions of a Southern California Estate Planning Attorney, Part I
I have been a lawyer in Southern California for over 20 years, but I have a confession: I didn’t have my own estate plan until very recently. I once heard an attorney tell his client that attorneys are the worst … Continue reading
The Maze of Estate Planning
In a brand new revenue ruling (Revenue Ruling 2008-41), the IRS now recognizes that Charitable Remainder Trusts may be split up on a pro-rata basis and still preserve their tax advantaged status under the Internal Revenue Code. A Charitable Remainder … Continue reading
The Maze of Tax Law
In a brand new revenue ruling (Revenue Ruling 2008-41), the IRS now recognizes that Charitable Remainder Trusts may be split up on a pro-rata basis and still preserve their tax advantaged status under the Internal Revenue Code. A Charitable Remainder … Continue reading