Understanding Supplemental Needs Trusts: Protecting Benefits While Enhancing Quality of Life When planning for a loved one with special needs, one of the most valuable tools in estate planning is a Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT). This type of trust is designed to enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life while ensuring continued eligibility for essential government benefits such as…
Shield or Illusion? What California Law Says About Trusts and Creditors It’s a common misconception: if you transfer your assets into an irrevocable trust and wait a couple of years, you’re protected from creditors or bankruptcy proceedings. But under California law — and federal bankruptcy law — that strategy isn’t foolproof. In fact, it can…
106 Children, One Estate Plan: A Powerful Lesson in Defining Legacy When most people think about estate planning, they picture a will, a trust, and perhaps a conversation about who inherits the family home or retirement accounts. But at its core, estate planning is not just about assets—it’s about intention. That principle was recently brought into…
What We Can Learn from the Jimmy Buffett Estate Dispute When most people think of Jimmy Buffett, they picture Margaritaville, beach vibes, and a carefree lifestyle. But after his passing in 2023, the administration of his estate has been anything but relaxed. Buffett left behind an estimated $275 million estate, including real estate, vehicles, private planes,…
When Should a Child Get Full Access to Their Inheritance? Balancing Maturity, Milestones, and Meaning in Your Estate Plan One of the most important—and most personal—decisions you’ll make when setting up a trust for your children is deciding when they should receive full access to the assets. While age benchmarks are common, many families today are also…
