Alternatives to Probate in California

Alternatives to Probate in California

Without a trust, probate is inevitable in California. That said, there are some probate alternatives. These alternatives to probate, if available, can transfer property in a decedent’s estate quicker and cheaper than a full, formal probate.

We Want to Keep Your Estate Planning Fees Low

We Want to Keep Your Estate Planning Fees Low

Estate planning is often put on the back-burner. Sometimes people never get around to it. However, planning ahead is important because doing so can save you thousands and thousands of dollars.

Delaware or California: Choosing a Jurisdiction for Formation

Delaware or California: Choosing a Jurisdiction for Formation

If you're thinking about forming a limited liability company or you have already done so, you likely have asked yourself, "Should I form my limited liability company in Delaware or California?" The answer to this question is almost always "it depends," but understanding the basics of the analysis is helpful.

How to Protect Your Assets from Creditors with Estate Planning

How to Protect Your Assets from Creditors with Estate Planning

What is asset protection and how can it protect me and my beneficiaries from the claims of creditors? Put simply, asset protection is positioning your property in such a way so it is not subject to the claims of plaintiffs in lawsuits.

Don't Let Your Retirement Account Get Cut in Half

Don't Let Your Retirement Account Get Cut in Half

Failing to make sure your estate planning is coordinated with your retirement planning can have serious adverse effects on your estate and its beneficiaries. At worst, you’re looking at a 50% excise tax staring you in the face.

Eligible Entities and "Check the Box" Treasury Regulations

Eligible Entities and "Check the Box" Treasury Regulations

California state law classification of a business entity is not always the same as the tax classification of an entity. Under the "check the box" treasury regulations, a business entity is classified either as a "per se" C-corporation or as an entity eligible to choose its tax classification (referred to as an eligible entity).

Estate Planning is Cheaper Than You Think

Estate Planning is Cheaper Than You Think

The cost of an estate plan is much lower than you think. Being a California resident, you likely know that it takes little more than a house with a mortgage and a checking account to to approach an estate value at more than $500,000.

Is It Legal? California's Cannabis Conflict

Is It Legal? California's Cannabis Conflict

The “Marijuana Boom” is officially taking place in various areas of the United States, particularly in the State of California, and in the wake of legislation being passed at the state and local levels legalizing marijuana to some degree or another. This blog post will discuss the effect of new legislation on Orange County and California businesses.

Startup Companies: Avoiding Key Legal Mistakes Checklist

Startup Companies: Avoiding Key Legal Mistakes Checklist

Now that you’ve formed your company and are open for business, there are some more legal items you’ll want to address so you don’t mistakenly run your business into the ground before it takes flight. This blog will discuss these key issues and should serve as a checklist of items to cover when starting your business.