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…
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…
What to Look for in an Estate Planning Attorney Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your assets, and your legacy. But not all estate planning attorneys are the same. While some firms offer lower-cost, template-based trusts, others take a more comprehensive and customized approach to…
Do Credit Card Debts Disappear When You Die? One of the most common estate planning misconceptions is that debts vanish when someone passes away, or that placing assets into a revocable living trust shields them from creditors. In reality, that is not the case. Understanding how debts are handled after death is an important part…
