What Is a Heggstad Petition and How Does It Help Avoid Probate in California?

What Is a Heggstad Petition and How Does It Help Avoid Probate in California?

Heggstad petitions allow parties to avoid probate for non-trust assets. It is important to have an experienced Heggstad attorney help you understand how a Heggstad petition can help you save time and money.

Top 7 Reasons Why Every Californian Should Have an Estate Plan

Top 7 Reasons Why Every Californian Should Have an Estate Plan

Estate planning in California is a great way to avoid probate and save on taxes. An estate plan can also help your protect your assets, maintain privacy, provide for loved ones with special needs and more.

The Costs of Probate in California vs. Trust Set Up and Administration

The Costs of Probate in California vs. Trust Set Up and Administration

In this blog post, we will explore the costs of probate in California and compare them to the costs of trust set up and trust administration.

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).