Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Changes That Could Require That You Revisit Your Living Will
When you create an estate plan, you may think that it’s done, and you are set. One more item off your “to do” list, and you can now focus on other things. Well, not so fast. Because life itself is changing and dynamic, so too can things in your estate plan change. Here are… Read More »
Avoiding Gift Taxes In Your Estate Planning
Although California has no estate tax, there is a federal estate tax. And although that estate tax has a rather high exemption limit–currently you won’t pay estate taxes unless your estate is worth over $12 million–many people want to avoid the estate tax by just giving property away. Can You Just Give Your Stuff… Read More »
Are You A Dynasty? You Are – With A Dynasty Trust
When you think of a dynasty, you probably think of a sports team, or a family of wealthy rulers in a foreign land. But actually, you have your own dynasty–called your own extended family, in terms of estate planning, which allows you to set up what is known as a dynasty trust. What is… Read More »
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Living Trusts
When you create a trust, you are sometimes not actually creating it at that time: you are just setting up the trust to “come alive” when you pass, and to ensure that the property you designate, transfers into the trust. But sometimes, you set up a trust when you are alive, and the trust… Read More »
Actress Anne Heche Died Without A Will
Nobody thinks catastrophe is coming. But sometimes, it does, and even the richest and most well known amongst us need to be prepared. Unfortunately when it comes to the recent death of actress Anne Heche, there may have been minimal, or no preparation, when it comes to estate planning. Anne Heche’s Tragic Death Young… Read More »
Using Life Estates In Your Estate Plan
There are a lot of ways to leave property to others in an estate plan. But one way that often gets overlooked, is the life estate. What is a life estate, and how can it help you in leaving real property, like houses or condominiums, to others? Division of Ownership When you form a… Read More »
When You Don’t Trust A Family Member To Inherit Your Property
It often happens that when you create an estate plan, there may be someone in your family that, for some reason, you want to leave out of your plan, or that you want to leave fewer assets to. This may not be done out of spite or anger; often, there are simply family members… Read More »
Why Is A Good Estate Plan So Important?
We often discuss or write about how important it is to do the right things, and to plan ahead when it comes to an estate plan. But what’s the harm in not having an estate plan? What could go wrong, if you ignore your estate plan, or you do one that’s not comprehensive or… Read More »
What Is A Springing Power Of Attorney?
If you are unable to handle your affairs, or are concerned that you may one day be incapacitated, you may think of using a Power of Attorney. This is a good idea–a Power of Attorney (POA) will immediately allow whoever you designate, to handle your affairs. The POA can be limited to only certain… Read More »
What Does A Will Executor Do?
With a comprehensive estate plan, you may be able to avoid the probate process. However, many people are under the mistaken belief that so long as they have a will, they have a complete estate plan, and can avoid court. This is not true; if you only have a will, and your estate has… Read More »