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Charitable Giving – Leaving Money to a Favorite Charity

By including charitable giving in your Carlsbad estate plan, you can continue your legacy by giving back to organizations close to your heart. Done correctly, it has the added benefit of lowering your tax liability. There are many good causes that rely on donations to enable them to do their work. Ways to Give to […]

What is a Special Needs Trust in California?

If you have a child with special needs, it is critical to create a comprehensive estate plan that includes providing for their future financial needs. A special needs trust is one tool that you should consider adding to your estate plan. Carlsbad estate planning attorney Andrew Fesler gets into the topic of a this important […]

California Tax Laws That May Affect Inheritance

It is important to consider tax implications when creating an estate plan in Carlsbad, California. In addition to federal tax laws, such as the federal estate tax and gift tax, California has tax laws that can affect how you deal with beneficiaries inheriting part of your estate. Andrew Fesler is a qualified estate planning attorney […]

How to Protect Assets in California

Asset protection is a type of legal planning that keeps your property safe from creditors and lawsuits. Asset protection is completely legal in California and it is important to protect assets in California, especially if you have worked hard to accumulate money and properties. An asset is something that is owned by you or something […]

Importance of a Living Will in California

A living will in California is an essential document to include in your comprehensive estate plan. It is a legal document that states your healthcare preferences for end-of-life care. A Living Will helps you prepare for the unexpected such as a life threatening car accident or an illness which quickly causes deterioration. It addresses decisions […]

Does California have Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax?

When it comes to estate planning and inheritance, understanding the tax implications is crucial. In California, residents may wonder if there is an estate tax or an inheritance tax in the state. The good news is there isn’t a state estate tax or an inheritance tax in California. There is however a Federal Estate Tax […]

Five Things to Know about California Probate

California Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away. Its purpose is to administer their estate by paying outstanding taxes, paying off debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. In California, unfortunately, the probate process can be complex and time-consuming.  Here are five things to know about the California probate process. Consult […]

Naming Your Trustee

Selecting a trustee to handle your trust can is an important choice. While it may be tempting to name your best friend or family member to the task, it’s important to understand what the trustee’s job will include before naming your trustee. Person of Good Character Your Trustee should be a person of good character. […]

What is a Successor Trustee

A successor trustee refers to a person, or persons, tasked with managing and administering the terms of a trust when the trust’s creator called the grantor, can no longer administer the trust on their own. While that can refer to situations where the grantor has passed on, it can also apply to situations when the […]

Responsibilities of a Personal Representative

A personal representative, or an executor, refers to an appointed individual charged with the responsibility of managing the person’s estate. This represents a huge responsibility for the executor, even for seemingly modest estates. As the personal representative, they will be required to take care of the details of finalizing the estate after you have died. […]