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.
Many people have questions about estate planning, and one we hear at Desert Law Group often is, “Does California have an inheritance tax?” People want to ensure that their loved ones aren’t burdened with unexpected taxes when they pass away. Since 2001, we’ve helped families across Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and the surrounding […]
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A terminal diagnosis brings a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties, but it also presents an opportunity to take control of the future. Thoughtful estate planning can ease the burden on loved ones, ensure wishes are honored, and provide peace of mind during a difficult time. If an estate plan is already in place, now is […]
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The current administration has introduced policies that may significantly affect seniors, particularly concerning Medicare and Medicaid. Understanding these changes is crucial for seniors and their advocates to navigate potential challenges in healthcare access and affordability. Medicare: Shifts Towards Privatization The current administration has expressed intentions to shift Medicare towards a more privatized model, emphasizing Medicare […]
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When planning your estate, it’s natural to wonder what should go into your trust and what might be better left out. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even recreational vehicles raise unique considerations when it comes to trusts. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the decision. Placing your car in a trust can simplify the transfer […]
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Adoption brings families together in beautiful and meaningful ways. However, it can also lead to questions about legal rights, especially when it comes to inheritance. Many adoptive families and biological parents may wonder about the inheritance rights of an adopted child. This blog post addresses the questions of: can an adopted child inherit from their […]
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At Desert Law Group, we’ve been helping families in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley with estate planning, probate and trust administration for over 25 years. A common question we hear is about the role of a trustee in California. A trustee is authorized to manage and invest trust assets, pay debts and taxes, distribute […]
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If you’re dealing with trustee issues in California, you might be wondering about the process, rights, and costs involved. The cost to remove a trustee can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the case’s complexity and the trustee’s level of opposition. Legal fees are typically the largest expense, but […]
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In today’s rapidly changing regulatory environment, staying informed about business requirements is essential. New rules, such as the still-evolving Corporate Transparency Act, underscore the need for proactive planning to ensure compliance and protect the future of your business. These shifts make it more critical than ever to address business succession thoughtfully, laying the groundwork for […]
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Losing a loved one is tough enough, but disputes over their will can make things even more stressful. In California, you can challenge a will by filing a petition in probate court within 120 days of the will being admitted to probate, or by objecting at the initial probate hearing if it hasn’t been admitted […]
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Unlike a revocable trust, which you have the flexibility to change during your lifetime, an irrevocable trust is permanent once established. While this may seem daunting, its benefits, like asset protection and tax savings, often outweigh the drawbacks. In California, setting up an irrevocable trust involves a few steps: choosing a trustee, naming beneficiaries, drafting […]
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