As Joan Rivers' passing last year illustrated, the proof of a person's domicile can have tremendous ramifications on a person's estate, in particular the amount of state estate tax a person may be liable for. California, which has not had an estate tax since 2005,...
Focused And Personalized Attention Concerning Your Estate Planning Needs
Michael A. Sawamura, Attorney at Law
Joan Rivers’ state of domicile has big impact on tax burden
Comedy and entertainment pioneer Joan Rivers left a legacy of laughter and success to her family, as evidenced by the $150 million estate she left behind to family and loved ones. What nobody is laughing about, however, is the fact that an apparent ambiguity in her...
The basics of trust administration aren’t always so basic
People with substantial estates want to ensure that their money is going to the people and causes they love and support after they die. Most people want assurance that their money isn't going to disappear into the coffers of an overreaching government when they die,...
Abusing a power of attorney is a crime
People in California may have heard a lot about elder abuse and tragic stories of people having their life savings wiped out by someone who has taken advantage of them financially. Unfortunately in many of these cases, the damage may already largely have been done by...
Should I consider establishing a living trust?
People in California who have questions about estate planning issues may want to start with the basics. While every person should have a will as well as a health care directive in place, some people may also benefit from setting up a living trust.A living trust covers...
Holidays are a great opportunity to discuss estate plans
Every December, people in California and across the U.S. prepare to gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. While most people are focused on catching up with one another and enjoying their time together, it is also a great opportunity to have...
Domestic partners may benefit from estate planning
California is one of a handful of states across the country that recognize the rights of same-sex couples, but for people who are in domestic partnerships in California, the fact is that they still face some unique challenges when it comes to transferring assets,...
Do I need a lawyer to write a will?
As Californians get older and plan for the next phase of their lives, they have lots of things to consider. Not the least of these worries is planning and providing for spouses, children and even grandchildren. Not surprisingly, this gives rise to a whole other list...
California encourages planning for health care decisions
Planning for the future can sometimes be uncomfortable, especially when it comes to planning for things you don't like to think about. But planning for the possibility of a debilitating or incapacitating injury or illness by having an advance health care directive can...
Couples without kids still have major estate planning decisions
Residents in California may have read an interesting editorial article in the Wall Street Journal recently, dealing with the questions that many couples without children face when they're considering their estate plan. Without children, and the possibility of children...