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Protecting Your Legacy, Guiding Your Future
Explore how we tailor estate plans for each client’s unique situation—from caring for pets to supporting blended families, minor children, and beyond.
Our Case Studies
Planning for the Care of Animals
Roger and Linda were married, with no children, but had several animals they loved, including dogs and a horse. Upon their death, they wanted to ensure their animals were well cared for. Though their animals were a priority, Roger and Linda wanted any remaining assets to be distributed to specific charitable organizations. I created a comprehensive estate plan for Roger and Linda, including a joint revocable trust, wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. In their trust, Roger and Linda identified caregivers who will be dedicated to the wellbeing of their animals. They also allocated funds for the care and maintenance of their animals, including food, veterinary care, boarding, and other expenses. The remainder of Roger and Linda’s trust assets will be distributed to charitable organizations that align with their values and beliefs.
Planning for a Blended Family
Drew and Hannah were married, and both had adult children from previous relationships. They wanted a plan that would provide financial security for the surviving spouse and ensure fair treatment of their children. As part of a comprehensive estate plan for Drew and Hannah, I created an AB trust. With an AB trust, upon the death of the first spouse, the couple’s assets will be divided into two separate trusts. Trust A (Survivor’s Trust) is designed for the benefit of the surviving spouse. Trust A provides the survivor with income for their lifetime and may be amended by the surviving spouse. Trust B (Decedent’s Trust) is intended to benefit the children and cannot be amended by the surviving spouse. This means the surviving spouse could not disinherit the deceased spouse’s children if wanted to. Drew and Hannah feel better knowing the inheritance of their children will be protected.
Planning for Minor Children
Rosa and Karen were married and had two young children, both under age 10. They were concerned about who would care for their children if they both passed away and their children were still minors. They also wanted to ensure their children would be financially supported and their assets would be managed wisely until they are adults. Lastly, they wanted to simplify the transfer of their assets to their children without probate court. I created a will for each spouse nominating their mutual best friends, who share similar family values, as guardians for their children in the event of both Rosa and Karen’s deaths. In their joint revocable trust, Rosa and Karen named a close family member as successor trustee to manage the trust assets for their children’s health, education, maintenance, and support. The trust further details that the inheritance should be distributed to their children in stages: one-third at age 22, half of the remaining at age 26, and the rest at age 30. This tiered approach encourages responsible financial management and maturity. I also created advance health care directives and powers of attorney for Rosa and Karen naming each other as primary agent and friends and family members as alternates to ensure their affairs are managed according to their wishes in case of incapacity.
Planning for a Single Adult with No Immediate Family
John was not married, with no children, and no immediate family members. He wanted to leave his estate to various friends and to fund a scholarship fund at his alma mater but was not sure who should serve as his successor trustee or agent for finance and health care. John had thought about estate planning for many years but did not want to burden distant family members or friends with these responsibilities. I suggested that John contact and interview California licensed professional fiduciaries, who have a wide range of duties depending on their role including asset management, care management, financial oversight, and legal compliance. John did so and decided to incorporate a professional fiduciary into his estate plan. By doing so, John feels at ease that his assets will be managed and distributed by an experienced professional, relieving his friends of the burden of estate administration. John also had detailed conversations with the professional fiduciary he selected about his preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care and this information is included in his advance health care directive.
Research & Technology
Bioremediation & Waste Treatment
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. Focus on what makes the business unique and how users can benefit from choosing it.
Research & Technology
Bioremediation & Waste Treatment
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. Focus on what makes the business unique and how users can benefit from choosing it.
Research & Technology
Bioremediation & Waste Treatment
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. Focus on what makes the business unique and how users can benefit from choosing it.
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