The 3 Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes in California

Unfortunately, that assumption can create enormous financial and emotional problems for the people left behind. After years of working with California families, estate planning attorney Michael Pevney has identified 3 major mistakes that repeatedly create probate issues, family conflict, and unnecessary costs…

How To Choose the Best Guardian for Your Kids

If you have children under 18, one of the most important decisions you will ever make is choosing who would raise them if something happened to you. Most parents spend time thinking about…

What Happens When a Trustee Is Not Doing Their Job?

How old do you need to be before setting up a living trust? For many people, the answer is surprisingly simple: It is usually less about age and more about…

Use AI Instead of a Lawyer for Estate Planning in California

Should you skip the lawyer and go straight to AI to create your estate plan? It sounds tempting. Fast. Cheap. Convenient. But here is the reality:…

Should You Give Your Kids Their Inheritance at 18 in California

Would your 18 year old make smart decisions with a six figure inheritance?
Be honest. For most families, the answer is no. And that is not a criticism. It is reality…

Tenants in Common vs Joint Tenancy in California What Is the Difference

When you buy a home with someone else in California, one small checkbox on your paperwork can have a massive impact on your future. That checkbox determines how you hold title to the property…

Can You Give Large Gifts Without Paying Taxes

Can you really give your child $50,000, $100,000, or even $1,000,000 without paying taxes? This is one of the biggest misconceptions in estate planning. Many people hesitate to help their children financially because they believe they will owe immediate taxes…