When iconic singer and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett passed away in 2023, he left behind more than just tropical tunes and a laid-back legacy, he left behind a $275 million estate now at the center of a legal storm. The dispute pits his widow, Jane Buffett, against Richard Mozenter, his longtime financial advisor and co-trustee of the Marital Trust established for Jane’s benefit.

Probate in California is often expensive, time-consuming, and stressful for families.

A Retirement Protector Trust™ (also commonly known as a Retirement Plan Trust) is a specialized stand-alone revocable trust designed to receive and protect retirement account distributions such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and other qualified accounts upon your death.

In a move to preserve key elements of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), as well as introduce new tax policies, lawmakers passed a new piece of legislation: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Provisions of the bill either permanently or temporarily extend aspects of the tax code which affect individuals, businesses, and estates. This brings numerous financial planning implications and opportunities.

Trust administration is a crucial component of estate planning, ensuring that your assets are properly distributed according to your wishes after your passing. Consulting an experienced estate attorney can provide the necessary expertise to navigate trust administration efficiently and effectively, safeguarding your family's financial future and avoiding costly mistakes.

As your child embarks on their new journey into adulthood, creating a power of attorney, HIPAA, and health care directive for them is a simple but powerful step to ensure you can support them during emergencies.

By having an estate plan, you avoid a long drawn out, public and expensive process and make it private. It may be motivating to hear about the probate process.

When you pass away, in the absence of a Will/Trust, your estate undergoes probate, a potentially lengthy and expensive process.and default rules determine estate administration and property recipients.

I strongly recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years with your attorney to ensure it remains aligned with your wishes and circumstances.