By Jennifer J. Carney, Esq. As pet owners, we often regard our animals as cherished members of our family. Their companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love enrich our lives in ways that are irreplaceable. However, it is essential to consider the future of our pets should the unforeseen occur. Estate planning for your pets is a…
According to a new dementia prevalence estimate published by Alzheimer’s Orange County, over 164,000 people in Orange County are affected by dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Walk4ALZ raises funds to support research, programs, advocacy, and local services for those living with memory loss—as well as the families and caregivers who support them. Our firm has…
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also a great time to dust off your estate planning documents and get your affairs in order! Our March newsletter explains how a bit of list-creating and organizing now can provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones. Do You Know What You Own? Start with…
On February 27, 2025, FinCEN announced that companies won’t face fines or penalties if they miss the current deadlines for filing their beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports—March 21, 2025, for most businesses. FinCEN also plans to issue an interim final rule by March 21, 2025, to extend BOI reporting deadlines. Further, FinCEN intends to seek…
Money and property might be the most talked-about parts of a person’s wealth, but the wisdom, traditions, and experiences they pass down can be just as valuable—if not more. Your estate plan isn’t just about dividing assets; it’s a chance to reinforce the values that make your family unique. After all, leaving a legacy comes…
We’re celebrating love and estate planning in February’s newsletter—not with flowers and chocolates, but with strategies that show your sweetheart how much you care. This month, we cover three trusts that help protect your spouse, minimize taxes, and keep your legacy intact because true love means planning for the future together. Protect Your Wealth and…
Setting up trusts during estate planning offers asset protection, tax advantages, and a structured way to pass down wealth. However, in recent years, trusts have become a lucrative opportunity for scammers to set up too-good-to-be-true trust solutions, and the IRS has flagged fraudulent trust schemes designed to trick taxpayers into believing they can skirt tax…
By Christine M. Allen, Esq. Trust litigation is becoming an increasingly common occurrence after the death of a loved one in California. Regardless of how well-drafted or thought-out a trust is, anyone with a grievance or perceived grievance can file a lawsuit. While you can’t necessarily stop someone from suing, there are proactive measures you…