California Proposition 19 passed resulting in new questions and opportunities for many here in San Diego and across California. Proposition 19, entitled: ‘Changes Certain Property Tax Rules’ is good news for homeowners who are 55 or older, disabled, or have been victims of wildfires, or other natural disasters. The Constitutional...
An Unfortunate Lesson in Estate Planning from David Cassidy
We may have learned an unfortunate lesson in estate planning from David Cassidy this week. His death has brought several life lessons to light, and one of them is a reminder to update your estate plan and trust documents every two to three years. Things change. David Cassidy's daughter Katie was...
Even If Washington Raises the Estate Tax Exemption to $10 Million You Should Still Have a Trust
Even if Washington raises the estate tax exemption to $10 Million you should still have a trust, especially if you are a home owner. Why? The short answer is time, money and saving a lot of hassle for your loved ones, heirs and beneficiaries. Raising the exemption on federal estate...
How Should a Couple Take Title to Their Home
How should a couple take title to their home if they intend to keep it? How is the asset to be taxed after both spouses pass? Many couples keep the asset in "Joint Tenancy" which allows the asset to avoid probate upon the death of one of the spouses. Upon...
Haven’t Updated Your Estate Plan in a While – Reasons Not to Wait
The Wall Street Journal recently wrote a warning in case you haven't updated your estate plan in a while and reasons not to wait. We've seen the same scenarios in our decades of services as estate planning, trust and tax attorneys here in San Diego and throughout the Southwest. Usually...
Protecting Your Home from a Medi-Cal Lien
Protecting your home from a Medi-Cal lien is possible based upon a new California law which took effect January 1 of this year. Previously, California's Medi-Cal program was able to recover money from people who were 55 years or older who received medical services under agency programs. If the family...
A Trust Protects Your Beneficiaries
A trust protects your beneficiaries and ensures they receive your gifts in the best way for their unique circumstances. Your children, extended family and friends, causes and institutions receive your gift directly or "in trust." Many beneficiaries receive the assets you've assigned to them free and clear from all oversight...
Trust Litigation Representation for Trustees and Beneficiaries
Allen Barron has decades of experience with trust litigation representation for trustees and beneficiaries alike. Trust litigation is not only legally quite complex, it requires a team with legal, tax and accounting expertise to protect your interests. Trust litigation often involves family members, close family friends and substantial sums of...
San Diego Executors and Trustees are Personally Liable
San Diego executors and trustees are personally liable for their actions during the administration of an estate or trust. When you are asked by a friend or family member to serve as the executor of their will or as a trustee it is perhaps one of the greatest compliments one...