California is set to implement a significant change to its probate laws. Starting April 1, 2025, the small estate affidavit limit will increase to $750,000. This adjustment will allow more estates to bypass full probate proceedings, potentially saving time and money for beneficiaries. The new law, Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016), will raise the current […]
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 […]
Moving to a new state can bring up many questions about your estate planning documents. A common concern is whether a living trust created in one state remains valid after relocating. Generally, a living trust created in one state is valid in another state. This is because trusts are governed by the laws of the […]
Living trusts are valuable estate planning tools that provide flexibility and control over your assets. In California, you can modify your living trust to reflect changes in your life circumstances or wishes. To amend a living trust in California, you’ll need to create a written amendment document that clearly states the changes you want to […]
When contemplating the end of a marriage in California, you have two primary options: legal separation and divorce. While both processes address similar issues like property division and child custody, they have distinct differences that can significantly impact your future. Legal separation allows you to live apart and divide assets without officially ending your marriage, […]
Living trusts are powerful financial planning tools in California, but they can become complex during a divorce. You might wonder how your carefully crafted trust will fare when your marriage ends. In a California divorce, assets held in a living trust are subject to the state’s community property laws and may be divided equally between […]
Living trusts are popular estate planning tools in California, offering privacy and flexibility in managing assets. Many individuals wonder about the tax implications of these trusts, particularly whether they require a separate tax ID. Generally, a living trust does not need its own tax ID number in California while the grantor is alive. Grantors are […]
Living trusts are popular estate planning tools in California, offering privacy and avoiding probate. But what happens when someone believes a trust doesn’t reflect the true wishes of the person who created it? Yes, a living trust can be contested in California under certain circumstances. Challenging a trust is a complex legal process that requires […]
When it comes to estate planning in California, living trusts are a popular choice. Many people wonder if these legal documents require notarization. While notarization for living trusts may not be a mandate, it’s often recommended for practical reasons. Banks, financial institutions, and county recorders typically expect notarization, especially when dealing with real property deeds. […]
Thinking about setting up a revocable living trust? You’re not alone. Many people consider this estate planning tool to protect their assets and simplify the inheritance process for their loved ones. But one question often comes to mind: how much should it cost? The price of creating a revocable living trust can vary widely depending […]
