The Latest from Susan Katzen

At The Law Office of Susan A. Katzen, we know that probate isn’t about ghosts or haunted houses—but for families caught off guard, it can feel just as frightening. Imagine your loved ones, already grieving, suddenly trapped in a legal maze that drags on for months, drains hard-earned savings, and exposes private family matters to the public. That’s the real-life “horror story” of probate—and it’s one we help families avoid every day.

At The Law Office of Susan A. Katzen, we often meet families who have worked hard, saved diligently, and want nothing more than to protect what they’ve built for the people they love. One client’s story stands out: a woman came to us, deeply worried about what would happen if her husband ever needed nursing home care. After watching a neighbor lose nearly everything to long-term care expenses, she was determined to find a better way.

The Great Wealth Transfer will touch every family differently. The real question is: Will your legacy strengthen your family, or will it unravel? By taking action now, you ensure your loved ones are protected—financially, emotionally, and legally.

Understanding 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and Pension Benefits in Newport Beach. Most people picture a will or trust when they think about “estate planning.” Yet for many employees, the largest asset they own is a workplace retirement plan. Knowing exactly what will happen to your 401(k), 403(b), or pension if you pass away can spare your family confusion and unexpected taxes.

Most of us instinctively picture spouses, children, or other close relatives when we think about who will inherit our things. Yet many clients come to our office wanting a friend, sometimes their closest companion, to receive part or even all of their estate. That wish is perfectly valid, but it must be documented the right way. If you rely on verbal promises or vague notes, probate law will default to blood relatives, and your friend could end up with nothing.

Facing a feeding tube decision for ALS, dementia, stroke, or cancer? Discover options, legal rights, advance directives, and how elder law guidance can help families make informed, compassionate choices.

For many families in Newport Beach, a family business is more than just an enterprise; it's a legacy built on hard work and shared dreams. But when it comes time to pass the torch to the next generation, a common and often painful dilemma arises: what if one child wants to take over the business, and the other doesn't? Ensuring fairness in this situation is paramount to preserving both the business and crucial family relationships. An experienced Newport Beach estate planning attorney can guide you through these complex decisions.

It's a common misconception: if you don't have children, you might think a will isn't necessary. After all, who are you leaving things to? However, an experienced Newport Beach estate lawyer will tell you that having a will is crucial for everyone, regardless of their family structure. Whether you're single, married, in a partnership, or simply don't have children, a will is the cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan.

Unlike bank accounts or real estate, stock ownership involves specific rules, transfer agents, and corporate agreements that can complicate inheritance. Each type of stock presents unique challenges that require specialized planning.

When you're in your 20s or 30s, "estate planning" might sound like something only for the wealthy or much older generations. However, including life insurance as part of your comprehensive Newport Beach estate plan during your younger years is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. It's not just about planning for the distant future; it's about protecting your present and ensuring peace of mind for those you love.

Some clients wonder if they should divide decision-making responsibilities among adult children or other trusted helpers in their estate plan. As an experienced Newport Beach estate planning lawyer, I often discuss scenarios where one person might serve as financial power of attorney while another handles healthcare decisions. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this approach, understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks is essential before making this important choice.

As a Newport Beach estate attorney, one of the most common concerns I hear from parents is surprisingly consistent: "How can I make sure my son-in-law or daughter-in-law doesn't walk away with my child's inheritance if they get divorced?" It's a delicate subject. While we all hope our children's marriages last forever, divorce statistics make this a legitimate planning concern. Even in happy marriages, parents often want to ensure their hard-earned assets remain within their bloodline and benefit their grandchildren, not a future ex-spouse.

One of the greatest benefits of a living trust is its flexibility. Life changes, relationships evolve, and sometimes the person you originally chose as your successor trustee may no longer be the best fit. As an experienced Newport Beach estate planning attorney, I've helped many clients navigate this common situation. Whether due to changes in their circumstances, shifts in your relationship, or simply a reconsideration of their abilities, it's completely normal to revisit this important decision.

Even the most harmonious families can face conflict when managing trust assets. As an experienced Newport Beach trust attorney, I've seen how having a neutral third party can be invaluable for preserving both family relationships and wealth during disagreements.

Taking care of a parent isn't just about love—it's about logistics. Whether you've been caregiving for years or are just stepping into this role, the reality hits fast: medication schedules, doctor appointments, financial decisions, and legal paperwork. You want to do right by your parent—but where do you even begin?

Whether it's the hope of one more day, the fear of grief, or guilt at saying goodbye—families sometimes override the very wishes their loved one worked so hard to make known. That's why creating a clear, legally sound plan matters so much. When creating an advance directive in Newport Beach, here's how we help ensure that your voice stays in the room, even if you can't speak for yourself.

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.