The Latest from Susan Katzen

You've poured your heart and soul into your business, but have you considered what would happen if you or your partner suddenly couldn't continue? As a Neport Beach business planning lawyer, I've seen too many thriving businesses falter when faced with unexpected transitions. That's where a buy-sell agreement comes in - it's the safety net you hope you'll never need but will be eternally grateful for if you do.

As a Newport Beach will lawyer, I've seen my share of DIY disasters, but AI-generated legal documents are taking things to a whole new level of potential chaos. Let me explain why entrusting your legacy to an AI might be the plot twist your family doesn't need.

Imagine you're at a family reunion, and your eccentric Uncle Bob starts talking about how he's become a "Trustor." Your cousin Sarah rolls her eyes, assuming it's just another one of Bob's quirky hobbies. But little does she know, Uncle Bob might just be the smartest person at the picnic table.

When a loved one passes away, settling their estate can be a complex process, especially if you're not familiar with their financial affairs. As a probate lawyer, I often hear concerns from family members worried about missing assets or incomplete information. Let's address these common worries ...

Inheriting an IRA can be a significant financial event, and recent changes to the IRS rules make it crucial for beneficiaries to understand their obligations. Whether you're in Newport Beach or elsewhere, these new regulations could significantly impact your inheritance. As a Newport Beach estate planning lawyer, I'll break down the key changes and how they could affect your financial planning.

Even iconic artists like Prince can encounter estate planning challenges. As a devoted fan of many musical legends, I was surprised as an Newport Beach trust lawyer to learn that Prince passed away without a trust or will. Sadly, the resulting legal battles within his estate continue to make headlines. Let's delve into the situation and discover valuable lessons we can all learn from this unfortunate estate planning situation.

As a Newport Beach inheritance lawyer, I often recommend Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) to clients looking to protect their family's wealth. Life insurance is a powerful estate planning tool, but without proper planning, it can become vulnerable to creditors or unnecessarily inflate your taxable estate. Let's explore how an ILIT can help safeguard your family's financial future.

Owning a piece of undeveloped land can be an exciting investment, full of potential and possibilities. However, when it comes to including this asset in your estate plan, there are unique considerations to keep in mind. As a Newport Beach estate lawyer, I often work with clients to ensure their raw land is properly addressed in their estate planning documents. Here's what you need to know:

When you decide it's time to get serious about your future, you might be surprised to learn that you need not one, but two professionals in your corner: an estate planning lawyer and a financial advisor. Many people assume these roles are interchangeable or that one professional can handle it all. Spoiler alert: they are two separate roles and here's why that's actually great news for you.

Picture this: You're in the hospital, unable to communicate your wishes. Suddenly, your hospital room becomes a war zone. One child insists on aggressive treatment, another advocates for comfort care, and a third is frantically searching for your bank statements. It's a nightmare scenario that can keep anyone up at night.

As parents of children or adults with special needs, we often find ourselves lost in thought about their future. We picture a world where they're safe, happy, and well-cared for, even when we're no longer around to guide them. But here's a hard truth that many of us have faced: sometimes, despite our best efforts, Plan A just doesn't pan out.

If you're a new doctor building your practice or a seasoned physician branching out on your own, it's time to give serious thought to asset protection planning. Did you know that doctors are among the top professionals targeted in lawsuits? It's not a matter of "if" but "when" you might face a claim.

Finding love later in life is a beautiful thing. But sometimes, the realities of life and past decisions can throw a wrench into the fairy tale. A common scenario I encounter as a Newport Beach estate lawyer involves couples where one spouse moves into a home owned by the other's adult children.

As a single parent, your plate is already full. You're juggling work, childcare, school activities, and maybe even a bit of "me time" (if you're lucky!). It's understandable that estate planning might not be at the top of your to-do list. But let's face it: one of the biggest worries for single parents is, "What would happen to my children if something happened to me?" This is especially true if you're the sole caregiver and don't have a supportive co-parent or family network to rely on.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to put off estate planning. But as a Newport Beach estate lawyer, I can't stress enough how crucial it is to have your affairs in order, especially when it comes to healthcare decisions and financial management.

While the idea of a "prenup" is well-known, postnuptial agreements are often overlooked. These agreements, signed after marriage, can be a vital part of your Newport Beach estate plan. They provide clarity and protection, particularly as your life and circumstances change.

Many Americans unknowingly own mineral rights, or have the potential to inherit them. These rights encompass resources like oil, gas, precious metals, and more. Even if you don't live in a traditionally "mineral-rich" area, these rights can be passed down through generations, creating a surprise windfall, or posing a complex estate planning challenge.

Starting the IVF process opens a world of excitement and hope for many couples. But amidst the anticipation, a sometimes uncomfortable reality emerges: what happens to the remaining embryos or genetic material if one or both parents die?

Sadly, family feuds are more common than we'd like to admit. These tensions can become incredibly stressful and even more so when one family member experiences a health crisis. If you're remarried and your adult children don't get along with your new spouse, it's natural to worry about potential conflicts during a time when support should be the priority.

Being named a trustee is an important responsibility, but sometimes life throws unexpected situations your way. When a loved one is hospitalized and you have to step into the trustee role, you might feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what lies ahead. Here's a guide on how to navigate your new responsibilities and ensure your loved one's best interests are protected.

Incorporating stocks and other investments into your estate plan requires careful consideration to ensure your hard-earned assets are transferred smoothly to your loved ones. There are several ways to pass down your stocks, each with its own advantages and potential tax implications.

Hospice care offers comfort and support during a serious illness, focusing on quality of life rather than curative treatment. While it’s often associated with end-of-life situations, a hospice stay can last for months or even years. This highlights the importance of a flexible estate plan that addresses not only what happens after you pass but also the practicalities of your financial and personal life during an extended hospice journey.

The decision to place a parent in a nursing home rarely comes easily. Apart from the emotional toll, significant financial and legal adjustments are often necessary. While immediate well-being takes priority, it's vital to safeguard your parent's assets and long-term care needs with proactive estate planning.

The word "trust" gets used quite broadly, creating potential confusion. While a "living trust" is a widely discussed instrument for estate planning, it's crucial to understand that not every trust is a living trust. Below our Newport Beach estate planning lawyers break down the key distinctions.