Simone Ortega

If you are just getting started with the process of estate planning, you are probably wondering what your options are. You may already be familiar with some of the standard estate planning tools such as wills and trusts. However, many people are unaware of how legal...

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to get started on your New Year’s resolution to finally get around to creating or updating your estate plans. This is an ideal time to reflect on the events of the previous year, such as family weddings, divorces, and...

If you are a resident of California, the recently passed Proposition 19 could impact your estate planning. Proposition 19 includes two changes to California property tax assessments that all California residents should be aware of. Estate Planning in California The...

The SECURE Act went into effect on January 1, 2020. The SECURE Act stands for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement. This Act includes some significant changes to retirement plans—some of these are the biggest changes that the U.S. has seen in decades. Since it...

Many Americans are part of a blended family. A blended family is a family unit in which one or both parents have a child or children from a previous relationship—and have combined these families into one new family. With blended families, there are some additional...

If you are just getting started with the estate and legacy planning process, your number one focus may be how to maximize what you leave to your family and your favorite charities. You may also have some concerns about how taxes will be paid on your estate.  However,...

A legacy plan is similar to an estate plan. Legacy planning is simply the act of preparing how to distribute your assets and property to your loved ones upon your death. Whether you have a small or a large estate, it is important to plan ahead regarding how you want...

When you get together with your family for the holidays, you may notice that some things have changed over the years. You may have gotten a new grandchild over the year or welcomed a new daughter-in-law into the family. These changes are a good reminder that you...

Revocable trusts can be a useful tool in estate planning. Trusts can be beneficial for many people, not just for those with estates on the larger side. Revocable trusts can simplify the distribution of estate assets and can also help to protect your privacy. What is a...