by LM2 | May 15, 2025 | Estate Planning, Estate Tax |
As a Torrance estate lawyer, I often find that clients are unfamiliar with the concept of “step-up in basis” until they’re facing significant tax implications during inheritance. This powerful tax provision can save your heirs thousands—or even...
by LM2 | May 8, 2025 | Executor, Probate |
Life rarely follows the path we expect. When we create our estate plans, we naturally assume we’ll outlive our beneficiaries. The thought that our children, grandchildren, siblings, or other loved ones might precede us in death is almost unthinkable. Yet as a...
by LM2 | Apr 29, 2025 | Estate Planning |
As a Torrance trust attorney, I’ve guided countless parents through creating comprehensive estate plans. While most understand the importance of having a will, many aren’t aware that this document alone may not provide the protection their children need....
by LM2 | Apr 22, 2025 | Estate Planning, Trusts |
When planning for the future, one important decision is who will inherit your retirement accounts. While many people name individuals as direct beneficiaries, there are situations where a trust may be a better option. However, this approach requires careful planning...
by LM2 | Apr 15, 2025 | Estate Planning |
As a Long Beach will lawyer working with single and divorced parents, I’ve witnessed the deep emotional weight that guardianship decisions carry. The thought of someone else raising your children is heart-wrenching, yet planning for this possibility is one of...
by LM2 | Apr 7, 2025 | Business Succession Planning, Estate Planning, LLCs |
As a trust lawyer in LA County, I’m frequently asked about the intersection of trusts and business entities, particularly LLCs. The short answer is yes, a trust can own an LLC, but the details matter significantly. This ownership structure can offer valuable...
by LM2 | Mar 27, 2025 | Trusts |
In the wake of recent natural disasters—especially devastating floods and the fires in California—many social media posts have claimed that if your property is held in a trust or LLC, it won’t be covered by insurance. This is not entirely accurate. While it is...
by LM2 | Mar 20, 2025 | Estate Planning |
As you are setting up your trust and making the very important choice of who will serve as trustee, you may be wondering if this person will get paid for their services and how that is accomplished. Do your heirs have to pay them out of pocket? Let’s explore how...
by LM2 | Mar 13, 2025 | Estate Planning |
Estate planning is based on state and federal laws which are subject to change at any time. For many members of the LGBTQ community, that can be not only anxiety-provoking but a genuine concern when planning for the future. The good news is that having a comprehensive...
by LM2 | Mar 6, 2025 | Estate Planning |
As a Torrance will lawyer, I often find clients are puzzled by the term “pour-over will.” While both traditional wills and pour-over wills serve important purposes, they function quite differently in your estate plan. Understanding these differences is...