Trusts for Minors in California: Why “Just Leave It to the Kids” Is One of the Most Expensive Mistakes You Can Make By Dustin MacFarlane, California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Sacramento, California Quick Answer: Can I Just Leave Money Directly to My Minor Child? No. Under California law, … Read More
Permanent Trusts in California: The “Set It and Forget It” Myth That Can Cost Your Family Millions By Dustin MacFarlane, California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Sacramento, California Quick Answer: Are Permanent Trusts “Set It and Forget It”? No. Permanent trusts (also called irrevocable trusts or dynasty trusts) require … Read More
Irrevocable Trusts in California: Why This Is Not a DIY Project (And Why Mistakes Can Cost You Everything) By Dustin MacFarlane, California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Sacramento, California Quick Answer: Should I Create an Irrevocable Trust Myself? No. Absolutely not. Irrevocable trusts are legally binding, permanent structures that … Read More
The Hidden Disaster of Naming Co-Trustees in California (And Why It So Often Goes Wrong) By Dustin MacFarlane, California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Sacramento, California Quick Answer: Should You Name Co-Trustees in California? No, in most cases. Co-trustees create more problems than they solve. Under California Probate Code … Read More
California Power of Attorney: 5 Critical Mistakes That Make Your POA Worthless By Dustin MacFarlane, California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law California Probate and Trust, PC Quick Answer: What’s the #1 Power of Attorney Mistake in California? Missing the “durability” language. Under California Probate Code §4124, a Power of … Read More
Elder Financial Abuse in California: Legal Tools to Protect Mothers and Grandmothers (and Their Estates) If you’re helping an aging mother, grandmother, or other loved one manage their finances in California, you may be worried about elder financial abuse—and with good reason. Each year, thousands of older Californians fall victim to scams, undue influence, or … Read More
Digital Wealth and Digital Legacy Planning for California Women: Accounts, Passwords, Photos, and Legal Access If you’re a California woman juggling multiple online accounts, digital photos spanning decades, and the nagging worry that your loved ones won’t know how to access anything if something happens to you—you’re not alone. Digital estate planning can feel overwhelming, … Read More
International Women’s Day + Care Planning: Powers of Attorney That Actually Work in a California Emergency If you’re a California resident helping aging parents, planning your own care, or simply trying to ensure your family won’t face bureaucratic nightmares during a medical crisis, you already know that a power of attorney (POA) is essential. But … Read More
The California State Legislature is gearing up for an active 2026 session with several critical two-year bills still pending. These bills touch on family law, probate, estate planning, and eldercare—areas that directly impact California families. If you’re planning your estate, managing a trust, or navigating probate in California, understanding these legislative changes is essential. Here’s … Read More
Getty Images Gonzales, seen speaking at an event in Congress California Estate Planning Lessons From the Tony Gonzales Resignation and Staffer Death (What Families Should Do Now) If you are a California resident managing family responsibilities, property, or caregiving, sudden and painful events can expose how quickly a family can be pushed into crisis decision-making. … Read More