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National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2025: The Science of Procrastination in Estate Planning
🐌 What's really the hangup? Estate planning—the crucial process of deciding how your assets will be managed and distributed after you pass away—is something almost everyone agrees they should do. It also involves a lesser known, yet equally, if not more important, need for incapacity planning in case of emergency. Yet, for many, it sits stubbornly at the bottom of the to-do list, year after year. Why the massive delay? It turns out, the "hangup" isn't a lack of discipline;
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Oct 24
3 min read
It's National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2025: Don't Leave Your Family Unprotected
If you have children, own a home, run a business, or simply want to have a say in your own future, this week is a call to action. Leaving your affairs to default state laws is not a plan; it’s a gamble that will force your family into crisis during their most vulnerable time. The Myth of "Too Young" or "Not Wealthy Enough" The truth is, estate planning isn't about building a monument to your wealth; it's about building a safety net for the people you love. So, why would you
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Oct 20
3 min read
California's Prop 19: Forced To Sell The Family Home?
Aging Baby Boomers are a major force behind the phenomenon known as the "Great Wealth Transfer," the largest intergenerational wealth...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Sep 2
4 min read
How Does a Revocable Living Trust Affect Your Taxes? A California Perspective
It's important to understand when tax issues become relevant in estate planning. Revocable living trusts are cornerstones of many robust...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Jul 10
5 min read
Is Life Insurance a Good Estate Planning Strategy?
Yes, life insurance is an excellent and often indispensable estate planning strategy for a wide range of individuals, from those with...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Jun 24
4 min read
Confronting Your Mortality - The Death Taboo
Despite the taboo of planning for your mortality, not having a plan is actually what's most harmful. In America, about two-thirds of...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Jun 17
5 min read
Think You're Too Young for a Will? Think Again.
Waiting too long to create will can lead to loss of control over your legacy and your family's well-being. We get it. When you're...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Jun 16
3 min read
5 Reasons Why a Living Trust is a Smart Investment That Pays for Itself
When we think about investment opportunities, creating a revocable living trust might not be the first idea that pops up. Yet, in the...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
May 28
3 min read
Using Trusts to Avoid Probate
When it comes to planning the distribution of your assets after you pass away, avoiding probate is vital. The probate process in...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Apr 7
6 min read
Which Trust is Right for You: Understanding the Differences Between Separate Trusts and Joint Trusts
When planning your estate, the type of trust you choose can have a huge impact on how your assets are managed and passed on after you are...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Mar 18
9 min read
10 Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan
In our fast-paced digital world, managing digital assets is just as crucial as protecting physical belongings. Since virtually everyone...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Mar 17
3 min read
What to Expect When Inheriting Someone's IRA
Inheriting an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be both a blessing and a challenge. The process comes with important financial...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Mar 3
4 min read
Trust and Succession Planning for Small Business Owners
In the fast-paced world of small businesses, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership and management is crucial for long-term success....
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Feb 26
4 min read
Crafting Your Path to a Lasting Legacy: Your Guide to Estate Planning for Blended Families
Navigating estate planning can be particularly challenging for blended families. With multiple relationships and differing sets of...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Feb 21
4 min read
How to Start the Estate Planning Conversation with Your Aging Parents
Younger generations can encourage their aging parents to start the estate planning conversation. Discussing estate planning can feel...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Feb 17
4 min read
Revocable Living Trusts: What is a Trustee and What Do They Do?
A warm moment shared between a father and his adult son, highlighting the trust and responsibility often seen in family trustee roles....
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Feb 13
4 min read
The California Homestead Exemption
The California Homestead Exemption is a valuable legal protection designed to help homeowners safeguard their primary residence from...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Feb 4
4 min read
What Happens When a Loved One Dies Without a Will: Navigating the Legal and Emotional Challenges
Losing a loved one is one of life's toughest challenges. When that person dies without a will, trust or any type of succession planning,...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Jan 30
5 min read
Unraveling the Mystery: How Does California Handle Inheritance Taxes?
Losing a loved one is always challenging, and dealing with their estate can add to the stress. A common question in this difficult time...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Jan 28
4 min read
How to Secure Your Loved One's Future: Estate Planning for Dementia – The Unknown Way Forward
Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel like navigating a stormy sea. As cognitive abilities wane, planning for the future becomes...
Anna Jerden, Esq.
Jan 27
5 min read
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