In drafting an estate plan, people must give rational and careful thought to how they want their property distributed. Then they must account for the effect that applicable laws and rules will have on that plan. Fortunately, an estate plan can be closely tailored to...
Focused And Personalized Attention Concerning Your Estate Planning Needs
Michael A. Sawamura, Attorney at Law
Some California residents may benefit from a testamentary trust
There are many ways a person can pass wealth on to descendants. One of these is the trust, which comes in a wide variety of forms to suit a person's needs. Trusts can be particularly useful if a person has minor children or other young descendants who could benefit...
Wallace’s death shows importance of designating power of attorney
Mike Wallace entered the living rooms of many Sacramento, California, homes for nearly six decades until his retirement in 2006. The journalist will always be remembered for asking the tough questions at the right time. Most recently, however, the "60 Minutes" anchor...
Consider the distribution of personal property in your will
Many California residents have prized personal possessions. These can include pieces from a hobby collection, such as antique china, coins or cars. Other items may have been handed down through family generations, such as a grandfather clock, a jewelry set or artwork....
Amy Winehouse died without will, parents inherit entire estate
California is known for its host of stars in film and music. During the last number of years, few musicians' stars burned as brightly or as briefly as Amy Winehouse's. The British singer, known for her soulful voice, won a number of Grammy Awards before dying last...
Estate of Marilyn Monroe’s makeup artist to sell off photographs
Marilyn Monroe's life on and off the screen captivated people in California and across the country. Her enduring fame is proved by the recent movie, My Week with Marilyn, which earned lead actress Michelle Williams an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. But...
Baby Boomers and their parents face estate planning challenges
The first wave of the Baby Boomer generation has only recently reached the traditional retirement age of 65. Their parents, the generation that was steeled by the Great Depression and fought in World War II and Korea, are in their 80s and 90s. Each generation has...
Sacramento readers can learn from Whitney Houston’s use of a trust
Some Sacramento readers are probably still mourning the premature death of Whitney Houston, who passed away Feb. 11, just before the Grammy Awards, at age 48.Recently, Houston's will was released. In it, she leaves all her property -- furniture, money, clothing,...
Living wills are also part of a complete California estate plan
Most people recognize the need for an estate plan, but as we have mentioned before, few people create one until the last minute, if at all. Perhaps you have thought about an estate plan and even executed a will, designating where and to whom your property will go...
Estate planning essential for single parents in California
One of the primary goals of an estate plan is to take care of your family in the event of your death. It is not often pleasant to reflect on those circumstances, but it is a reality that all of us will necessarily face at one time. The best course of action,...