People in California have a lot of uncertainty about the future, especially when unpredictable natural disasters strike. When tragic and scary events happen, it is human nature for people to feel helpless and fragile in their own mortality. When confronting these very...
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Trusts
Robin Williams left financial support for his children
People were stunned and saddened to hear about the death of one of the world's most innovative comedic minds earlier this month. Robin Williams' suicide was completely unexpected to most people, even those who knew him best. His family, friends and fans will mourn the...
Trust funds don’t necessarily lead to spoiled kids
People in California may have heard that the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman declined to set up any trusts for his three children, saying he didn't want them to be "trust fund kids." Recently, the musician Sting said essentially the same thing. With this recent...
The requirements of passing on real estate to loved ones
People in California know that estate planning can be a complicated matter, rife with the pitfalls of extra taxation, legal complications and even the hassle of going through probate when assets aren't accounted for properly in the estate plan. Even the simple act of...
With new tax laws, do Californians need credit shelter trusts?
By this time of the year, most Sacramento residents will have received all the forms and paperwork necessary to file their income taxes for 2013. Some may find windfall refunds awaiting them; others will be less lucky and end up owing money to the state of California...
Trusts can force your heirs to spend their inheritance wisely
People in California may have seen a recent news editorial on the topic of leaving inheritance to children and other heirs. Everyone wants their future generations to thrive and prosper even after they are deceased, but how can a person make sure their children are...
Passing on wealth to heirs requires sound planning
People in California may have seen a recent editorial about people who have had the good fortune to pass on their wealth to future generations, and the surprising backlash many people in the American public seem to have against their heirs. While many people are quick...
Compensating a trustee for trust administration services
Readers of the blog here in California know that setting up a trust can be an excellent way to preserve and utilize money for a specific purpose, or a specific person. Many estate plans include at least one trust, and they are favored because of the peace of mind and...
Gift tax deadlines warrant creative estate planning
California residents, especially readers of this blog, are well-aware of the impending changes to the gift tax and the estate tax that will take place unless Congress acts quickly to pass new legislation before next year.For people with sizeable assets, families with...
Nation’s fourth wealthiest woman revealed through estate drama
Sacramento readers may not know the name of the fourth-wealthiest woman in the country, but the wealth she has come to possess has certainly had seen its share of controversy in the courtroom as well as the tabloids over the years.The assets of Elaine Tettemer...