Welcome to the Desert Law Group blog! Here you will find estate planning information and insights, helpful tips to preserve your wealth and protect your assets, and copies of our latest newsletters, Lawyer for Life, Elder Law Update, and Smart Aging Update.
Browse recent posts to gain general information, use the menu at the left to search by topic, or join the Desert Law Group community by subscribing to have new posts emailed directly to your inbox. Topics include: estate planning, probate and trusts, healthcare planning, special needs planning, charitable giving, and more. Check back regularly for updates!
If you would like to receive more information about anything you’ve read on our blog or have questions that you can’t find the answer to, contact our office at 760-776-9977 to speak with an estate planning attorney.
Passing down property in California? Learn how Proposition 19 affects
property tax reassessment and how to avoid costly surprises with strategic planning.
Most people have heard they “need” a living will or healthcare power of attorney. Many even have one tucked neatly into a binder somewhere. But here’s the harder question: Will your family actually follow it?
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Desert Law Group Celebrating Community and Gratitude Desert Law Group recently hosted its 18th Annual Client Appreciation Event, it’s a tradition in which they honor the clients and families who have placed their trust in the firm over the years. This year’s celebration embraced the theme “Year of the Horse”, a symbol often associated with […]
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When a loved one passes away, legal responsibilities come before families can process or move on fully. Many successor trustees can’t even prepare properly when they are needed to play their role. Trust administration is often mistaken for something automatic or informal, while in reality, the California trust administration process is structured, deadline-driven, and governed […]
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The Beginning of State Planning Mistakes Many families believe signing estate documents means their legacy is fully protected. The planning gaps related to state planning tend to surface years later, often during administration or probate. Estate planning is not a one-time event; to make sure that everything is alright, periodic reviews and oversight are needed. […]
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When markets wobble, interest rates shift, and headlines forecast recession or inflation, many people feel a sense of insecurity about their financial futures. For older adults and their families, economic uncertainty isn’t just an abstract concern; it can directly affect retirement savings, long-term care planning, and peace of mind.
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When people create a trust, naming an adult child as trustee often feels like the natural choice. After all, who knows the family better? Who cares more? While that works well in many situations, it’s important to understand that “family” and “fiduciary” are two very different roles. In some cases, asking an adult child to […]
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For many families, the home is more than a place to live — it’s the largest asset in the estate, especially with rising property values all across the nation. But when a house makes up the bulk of someone’s wealth, it can create unexpected challenges for heirs. Real estate may be valuable, but it isn’t […]
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When people think about estate planning, they usually think about money and assets, such as homes, savings, investments, and inheritances. But there is another asset that deserves just as much protection: your brain. Cognitive health is central to independence, dignity, and quality of life as we age. And while legal documents can’t prevent dementia or […]
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Medicaid planning is one of the most misunderstood areas of elder law. Even highly educated families often come in with assumptions that sound reasonable, but turn out to be incorrect, which could end up being costly. As we head into a new year, it’s worth clearing up a few persistent myths. Myth #1: “Medicaid Is […]
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