Protecting your home from title fraud is important, especially here in California, where cases have been rising. You may have seen ads for title lock services that promise to stop thieves from stealing your property title. But these services are not true insurance and often don’t prevent fraud — they mostly monitor your deed and […]
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated many homes and properties, leaving affected residents wondering how to manage their financial obligations. If your property was damaged or destroyed in these fires, you may be eligible for significant property tax relief through various programs offered by Los Angeles County. Property owners can file a “Property […]
Property taxes in California can increase dramatically when a home changes ownership due to Proposition 13 rules. When a property transfers to a new owner, the county assessor typically reassesses it at its current market value, which often leads to higher tax bills. However, several legal strategies exist to avoid triggering this reassessment when preparing […]
The Internal Revenue Service has announced significant increases to gift and estate tax exemptions for 2025. These changes will impact high-net-worth individuals and their estate planning strategies. The federal estate tax exemption will rise to $13,990,000 per individual in 2025, up from $13,610,000 in 2024. For married couples, this exemption doubles to $27,980,000, providing substantial […]
There has been lots of confusion over the passing of AB 2016. Many thought that this new change would increase the limit to Small Estate Affidavits, but that is not the case. What is being affected by the change is the Affidavit for Succession to Real Property of Small Value under Probate Code 13200, which […]
California businesses face new reporting obligations under the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) requirements. These rules aim to enhance transparency and combat financial crimes by requiring companies to disclose their beneficial owners. Companies created or registered in California in 2024 have 90 calendar days from the date of receiving actual or […]
Protecting Your Wishes: Understanding the Privacy of Wills and Living Trusts in California Today, we’re diving into a question that’s been on many minds: “Are wills public record in California?” If you’re concerned about your personal assets and privacy, you’re in the right place. We’ll not only answer this burning question but also shed light […]
Crafting Your Legacy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Will Without a Lawyer Learn how to create a legal will without a lawyer in California—step by step. Whether you’re drafting your first will or updating an old one, you can handle this essential task on your own. At Laguna Legal, we believe estate planning should […]
Ensuring Your Financial and Personal Affairs Stay in Good Hands: Understanding the Importance of a Power of Attorney As we age, it’s important to begin planning for the future and even the unexpected. One step in this sort of planning that can be absolutely crucial is understanding what a power of attorney is and why […]
Steps to take when settling an estate after death Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we can go through in life. It’s a time filled with sadness, confusion, and grief. And while dealing with the emotional fallout of a loved one’s passing can be challenging enough, there’s also the matter […]
