Should you put your home in a trust? Many families use a trust for their residence, but the decision turns on control, incapacity planning, and long‑term administration. The deeper issue is understanding what actually changes once the deed is retitled. Why the Question Comes Up So Often in California Bay Area residents face a combination of high property values, blended family structures, and a probate system in Santa Clara County that can be time-consuming, costly, and public. A home is … [Read more...] about Should You Put Your Home in a Trust?
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in California? Understanding California Probate, Intestate Succession, and Why Estate Planning Matters
Estate planning is often an uncomfortable topic, yet it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. A common question we hear is, "What happens if I die without a will in California?" If you die without a valid will—or without a comprehensive estate plan—California law determines who inherits your assets. Depending on the type of property you own and your family circumstances, your loved ones may also have to go through probate before receiving … [Read more...] about What Happens If You Die Without a Will in California? Understanding California Probate, Intestate Succession, and Why Estate Planning Matters
When Estate Planning Documents Say One Thing—and Mean Another
Two recent conversations at Summit, one about blended family planning and one about trust language, highlight a challenge that shows up more often than attorneys might expect: clients and even attorneys sometimes read estate planning documents more literally than the drafters intended. This article explores how terms like "equal" and "irrevocable" can create real confusion and why helping clients understand how a plan actually functions matters just as much as how carefully it was drafted. … [Read more...] about When Estate Planning Documents Say One Thing—and Mean Another
What Happens to a Living Trust When the First Spouse Dies? A Trusts and AB Trusts Explained (VIDEO)
One of the most common questions married couples ask when creating an estate plan is: What happens to our living trust when the first spouse dies? The answer depends on how the trust was designed. In this video, estate planning attorney Justin M. Kennedy explains two common trust structures for married couples: the A Trust (single trust) structure and the AB Trust structure. While both options begin as a joint living trust during the spouses' lifetimes, they function very differently after the … [Read more...] about What Happens to a Living Trust When the First Spouse Dies? A Trusts and AB Trusts Explained (VIDEO)
Incapacity Planning: Assert Control While You Can
Most people associate estate planning with death. Incapacity planning raises a different, more immediate question: what happens if you are still alive, but no longer able to make decisions? This is not a hypothetical concern reserved for old age. Accidents happen. Illnesses appear without warning. Cognitive decline can begin gradually or progress suddenly. When decision-making ability is interrupted, even temporarily, someone must step in to act. Without a plan, that “someone” is often the … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning: Assert Control While You Can
How to Choose a Successor Trustee for Your Living Trust in California
When people hear about the benefits of a living trust, they are often drawn to creating one as part of their estate plan. However, an equally important decision is choosing the right successor trustee. The person or institution you select will be responsible for managing your trust if you become incapacitated or after you pass away. Quick Answer: How Do You Choose a Successor Trustee? A successor trustee is the person or institution who manages your living trust if you become incapacitated or … [Read more...] about How to Choose a Successor Trustee for Your Living Trust in California
Secure Your Future: Why Estate Planning Should Still Be at the Top of Your Resolution List
By February, many New Year’s resolutions have already started to fade. Gym visits slow down. Budget goals get postponed. Life gets busy again. But there is one resolution that is too important to delay: creating or updating your estate plan. While many people focus on health or financial goals at the start of the year, few consider what may be the most consequential decision of all. A thoughtful estate plan protects your finances, your healthcare decisions, and the people you love … [Read more...] about Secure Your Future: Why Estate Planning Should Still Be at the Top of Your Resolution List
How Much Is the 2026 Federal Estate Tax Exemption?
When a new year rolls around, the government updates various parameters to account for inflation. From an inheritance planning perspective, these annual adjustments can have a meaningful impact, and the tax thresholds are especially relevant. With this in mind, many people are asking about the federal estate tax exemption for 2026. It has been established, and the increase will provide additional planning flexibility, particularly for high-net-worth individuals. 2026 Federal Estate Tax … [Read more...] about How Much Is the 2026 Federal Estate Tax Exemption?
No Time Like the Present: Show Your Love by Making an Estate Plan
Making an estate plan is one of the most meaningful ways to show your love and care for your family — yet many Americans continue to put it off. A 2025 survey found that only about one in three adults have an estate plan — continuing a downward trend seen in recent years. National Estate Planning Awareness Week is observed during the third full week of October each year, and now is the perfect time to reflect on your own plans and ensure your wishes are clearly documented and … [Read more...] about No Time Like the Present: Show Your Love by Making an Estate Plan
Digital Estate Planning: Cover All Your Bases
If you use email, store files in the cloud, manage bank accounts online, or own cryptocurrency, you already have a digital estate. These assets may carry financial, personal, or sentimental value—but without a plan, they could be lost, locked, or mishandled after your death. Traditional estate planning often focuses on property, accounts, and investments. But today, your digital life needs just as much attention. With the right legal tools, you can ensure your loved ones have the access they … [Read more...] about Digital Estate Planning: Cover All Your Bases
