“It’s Okay, Mom Wouldn’t Have Wanted That”: Understanding POLST, DNRs, and Advance Directives in California When emergency crews arrived, Susan felt her heart race. Her mother, Evelyn, had collapsed at home. Paramedics were ready to start CPR. “Wait,” Susan said through tears. “She didn’t want this. She made that clear.” But when they asked for…
Do Registered Domestic Partners Have Inheritance Rights in California? When it comes to estate planning and inheritance in California, registered domestic partners are often unsure whether they have the same rights as married spouses. The good news is—yes, they do. Under California law, registered domestic partners are granted the same rights, protections, and benefits as…
Making Sure Your Title Insurance Covers Your Home in a Trust If you’re thinking about putting your home into a revocable living trust, you might assume your title insurance will automatically stay in place. But that’s not always the case! To make sure your home is still covered, it’s a good idea to check your…
Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Families: QTIP Trusts, B Trusts & Tax Strategies For individuals and families with estates exceeding the federal estate tax exemption (currently $13.99 million per person), strategic estate planning is critical to minimizing tax liability and ensuring financial security for loved ones. One of the most effective tools for married couples in…
Maximize the Current Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Before It Decreases The estate and gift tax exemption is at an all-time high of $13.99 million per person in 2025 (up from $13.6 million in 2024). However, this generous exemption is set to drop significantly—potentially to $7 to $8 million per person—on January 1, 2026, unless new legislation extends it. This looming change…
