I assist Successor Trustees in the administration of living trusts which became irrevocable by virtue of the death of the Settlor. I also am often the attorney for the estate of probate matters in which the decedent passed away owning assets outside of a living trust. Whether there is a trust estate or whether there [..]
In April 2009, I summarized the proper handling of current estate planning documents. This included recommendations for storage of the original Trust versus the original Will. It also described who should have a copy of the Advance Health Care Directive and Durable Power of Attorney. If you wish to read or re-read that issue, you [..]
As of January 1, 2016, owners of California real estate can create a revocable Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed to give their house away at their death without probate. This deed must be recorded in the county where the real property is located within a certain period of time or else it is not effective [..]
California and federal laws provide for the confidentiality of a patient’s medical information. The general rule is that a patient’s medical information may not be disclosed without the patient’s express written consent. However, there are at least two major statutory and regulatory provisions which affect the disclosure of confidential medical information and may prevent your [..]
A trust is any arrangement in which property (the trust estate) is transferred by someone (the settlor) for the benefit of a third person (the beneficiary). A revocable living trust is usually created by the settlor for his or her own benefit during his or her lifetime. Upon death of the settlor, the trust becomes [..]