The Latest from Susan Katzen

As an experienced  Orange County will and trust lawyer, I'm often asked whether residents can legally write their own wills without an attorney. The short answer is yes—California law does allow individuals to create their own wills. However, the more important question isn't whether you can, but whether you should.

Talking to your family about inheritance can feel intimidating, but it's one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your legacy and your relationships. As a trusted Newport Beach estate lawyer, I often tell clients: a well-drafted plan is only part of the equation—communication is the other half.

Recent news about Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy's passing has highlighted a crucial but often overlooked aspect of estate planning—the timing of death between spouses, especially in blended families. As a Newport Beach estate planning lawyer, I've seen how this timing can significantly impact inheritance outcomes and potentially create complications for heirs.

The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law in 2022, introduced major changes to retirement accounts, impacting everything from Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to beneficiary inheritance rules. These updates are crucial for individuals planning their estates, as they affect how retirement assets are distributed and taxed after death. As a Newport Beach estate lawyer, I often help clients navigate these regulations to ensure their estate plans align with the latest laws. In this blog, we'll break down the most important changes, including the 10-year rule, eligible designated beneficiaries (EDBs), and tax implications.

Newport Beach estate planning law attorneys often help clients create comprehensive plans that address legal and financial matters. However, one of the most meaningful components of estate planning isn't about assets at all—it's about preserving your values, wisdom, and personal history through what's known as a legacy letter.

As a Newport Beach estate planning attorney, I've seen firsthand how even carefully drafted wills can have significant oversights. While most people remember to address major assets like homes and financial accounts, certain important provisions are frequently overlooked. These forgotten elements can create unnecessary stress, conflict, and expenses for your loved ones after you're gone. Let’s cover some of the most common we see:

As a Newport Beach trust lawyer, I've seen how storms in life can come in all shapes and sizes—health crises, divorce, or the loss of a loved one. And of course, there are the literal storms: hurricanes, floods, and fires that can damage property and uproot lives. In recent months, you may have seen social media posts claiming that insurance companies won't pay out a total loss if your home is owned by a trust. While it's true insurers are more frequently scrutinizing claims, that doesn't mean your coverage is automatically void.

Families with a child on the autism spectrum often experience a stark change when that child reaches age 18, a transition sometimes referred to as the "autism cliff." Many of the supportive services relied on during childhood, such as specialized education programs, may shift or end altogether in adulthood. This can leave parents concerned about how to maintain consistent care and ensure their child's ongoing well-being.

As a Newport Beach estate lawyer, one of the most common misconceptions I hear from clients is that having a will means their loved ones can avoid probate. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Let's dive into why wills and probate go hand in hand, and what this means for your estate planning.

As a Newport Beach estate lawyer, I often meet grandparents who want to provide financial support for their grandchildren while ensuring their generosity doesn't inadvertently create complications. Whether you're thinking about college funding or creating a lasting financial legacy, strategic planning can help maximize your gift's impact.

One of the most frequent questions I hear as a Newport Beach trust lawyer is, "Is my estate large enough to justify a living trust?" Behind this question often lies a deeper concern: "Am I making the right choice for my family's future?" Let me share something that might surprise you – the size of your estate is just one small piece of a much larger picture.

As a Newport Beach probate lawyer, I've witnessed firsthand how scammers exploit families during their most vulnerable moments. The days and weeks following a loved one's passing should be a time for healing and remembrance – not defending against fraud.

Estate planning is about more than money; it’s about creating a legacy that reflects who you are and what you stand for. Whether it’s supporting your family, giving back to your community, or preserving cherished traditions, your plan should tell your story.

The Johnson family seemed financially secure, but their outdated estate plan didn't reflect their current needs. We updated their beneficiaries, created a trust to protect their growing assets, and incorporated long-term care planning to ensure their financial future. Estate planning isn't just about after you're gone—it's about securing your legacy today.

Probate isn’t just a legal process; it’s a long, drawn-out ordeal that can cost thousands of dollars in fees and drag on for months—or even years. Lisa had to take unpaid time off work to attend court hearings and meet with attorneys, adding financial strain to an already stressful situation.

When a child with disabilities receives a personal injury settlement, parents often face a crucial decision: how to manage these funds without jeopardizing essential government benefits. As a Newport Beach trust lawyer, I've helped many families protect their children's financial future through special needs trusts, particularly after receiving personal injury settlements.

As a Newport Beach  probate attorney, one of the most common questions I hear from families is about student loan debt after death. With student loan debt in America reaching unprecedented levels, it's a crucial topic that affects many families during probate administration.

As a Newport Beach trust lawyer, I often meet families who've been targeted by aggressive marketing from what's known as a "trust mill." These clients usually come to us worried, clutching generic trust documents that aren't worth the paper they're printed on. While the low prices might have been attractive initially, they quickly discovered that cheap, mass-produced estate planning can cost far more in the long run.

You've carefully built your retirement savings over decades, but did you know that once inherited, these accounts could be vulnerable to creditors? As a Newport Beach estate lawyer, I've seen too many families surprised when inherited retirement accounts they thought were protected ended up exposed to legal claims.

You've spent a lifetime building your legacy, but now you're tossing and turning at night, worried about how your heirs might handle it. As a Newport Beach elder lawyer, I've sat across the desk from countless clients who share these concerns. They wonder: Will my wishes be respected? Could one of my children challenge my decisions? Might my healthcare choices become a family battleground?

As a Newport Beach Will and Trust Lawyer, I've seen firsthand the consequences of inadequate estate planning. Many parents, regardless of age, overlook crucial aspects of securing their family's future. Whether you're a new parent, think you're too young for estate planning, or haven't updated your documents in years, this post is for you. Let's explore some common estate planning mistakes and how to avoid them.

As a Newport Beach Trust Lawyer, I often encounter questions about different types of property documents. Two that frequently come up are documents for transferring property ownership and those used in lending situations. Let's explore these important legal instruments and how they might impact your property rights.

As we round out another election season, it's natural to focus on how government policies might affect our families and finances. However, as any experienced Newport Beach estate planning lawyer will tell you, there's a crucial aspect of your family's future that remains constant regardless of who's in office: the need for a personalized estate plan.

As a grandparent, you've probably spent countless hours doting on your grandchildren, showering them with love, and creating precious memories. But have you considered how you can continue to support and protect them long after you're gone? As a Newport Beach estate planning lawyer, I've seen firsthand how grandparents can play a crucial role in securing their grandchildren's financial future. Let's explore some powerful strategies you can use to leave a lasting legacy.