How COVID-19 Changed the Way Contra Costa Families Approach Estate Planning
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, most of us were focused on staying safe, finding supplies, and adjusting to a new normal. But as the months wore on, something else became clear—many families in Contra Costa started asking important questions about what would happen if they got sick or couldn’t make decisions for...
Estate Planning for Blended Families: Protecting Your Legacy in Contra Costa County
When two families come together, it’s not just about love—it’s about lives, legacies, and often, complex financial ties. In blended families, where one or both spouses have children from previous relationships, estate planning takes on new meaning. You want to support your spouse, provide for your biological children, and be fair to...
How California’s Community Property Laws Impact Your Estate Plan
Do you know who actually owns your property under California law? For many married couples, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. California is a community property state, which means that assets and debts acquired during marriage are generally considered jointly owned, regardless of who earned them or whose name is...
Why Everyone Needs an Advanced Healthcare Directive in California
An advanced healthcare directive is a vital component of your California estate plan. You might think you don’t need one, but any adult should make sure their family understands their healthcare wishes so the family knows what to do in the event they become incapacitated or unable to communicate. Having an...
How Estate Planning Can Help Small Business Owners in Contra Costa County
As a small business owner in Contra Costa County, you’ve worked hard to build a successful business. As such, you may want to see your business continue long after you stop working and to provide the wealth you’ve created to your loved ones. Here’s how careful estate planning can help you achieve...
Tax Planning Strategies for Estates with Significant Retirement Accounts
You are a good planner and responsible saver as evidenced by your large 401(k), IRAs, and other retirement accounts. Keep up the good work in planning for the future with proactive estate planning that will help minimize tax burdens for your loved ones.
Horizon Elder Law & Estate...
The Dangers of DIY Estate Planning: Why Professional Guidance Matters
It makes sense why people turn to online tools and templates for estate planning in an attempt to save money and time. It seems we’re all on our phones or looking at a screen for most of our days, why not ask Siri or Alexa for ideas on estate planning. It’s understandable,...
Common Estate Planning Scams and How to Protect Yourself
Sadly there are evil people in the world who have no qualms about targeting the vulnerable and trusting in order to make a buck. These scam artists exploit people’s fears and lack of knowledge to commit fraud. Whether it’s fake attorneys, fraudulent trusts, or pressure sales tactics, understanding these scams is crucial...
The Role of Estate Planning Techniques in Reducing Tax Liability Advanced
You’ve worked hard, you’ve been financially responsible, and now you want to make sure that taxes don’t eat away at your estate at the expense of your loved ones. It’s a very reasonable goal but how do you go about achieving it? Fortunately, advanced estate planning techniques offer powerful solutions to significantly...
The Role of Life Insurance in Providing Tax-Free Inheritance
Life insurance and estate planning—two topics that people are rarely ever eager to talk about. But if you want to protect your estate from tax burdens as much as possible, it’s smart to wrap your mind around them because one of the most effective tools for transferring wealth without tax burdens is...