Often estate planning focuses on the “big picture” issues, such as who gets what, how to avoid probate, and tax planning to minimize gift and estate taxes. Often, there are many smaller issues, which are just as critical to the success of your overall estate planning. Below are some of the issues that are often […]

In the United States, 75% of Living Trusts will be totally ineffective when the Trust creator dies. Why? Most people have and create a living will and trust in lieu of traditional Wills to dispose of their estate because they have been promised that a Trust avoids probate. Well, that’s partly true. In fact, a

In a perfect world, your ownership or share of ownership in your home would automatically to your spouse, children, or other chosen beneficiary as directed in your will. However, when you leave your real estate assets to your survivors via your will, those assets will need to go through probate. Additionally, there is always a

Plans Considering the benefits of a Revocable Living Trust, few families can afford to be without one. The objective of estate planning is to ensure that you control your estate, and ultimately transfer it to whom you want at the least cost as quickly and simply as possible. The process of estate transfer can be

Whether it’s Christmas, Kwanza, or Hanukkah, the holidays are a time we reflect on family and traditions. This can include going to grandma’s (or grandkid’s!) house for dinner, digging out traditional ornaments, or dusting off old recipes. It’s a busy season as we prepare for the special occasions and the special people in our lives.

As a special treat from our office, we wanted to share a special Thanksgiving recipe from Meghan Avila, our Associate Attorney.  Trust us – Meghan can cook!  Here’s a recent picture of her taking First Place at the Marin County Fair for one of her home baked creations!  Indian Corn Pudding Muffins (makes 12 servings)

As I was reviewing current statistics released during the National Estate Planning Awareness Week, which is annually the third week of October, I’m continually astounded that Estate planning is still a critically overlooked component of financial wellness, and yet it’s estimated that more than half of Americans, a staggering 56%, do not have an estate

In the U.S., more than half of all living trusts become so severely outdated by the time one of the Trust creators dies that the estate ends up in probate. At Celaya Law, we won’t let that happen! We offer our client’s “Client Care” for their lifetime. What does that mean? Our clients receive the

As September in Napa Valley draws to a close, temperatures are heating up and rural areas of Napa are under Red Flag Warnings. With these warnings PGE may choose to turn off power in some areas. My team members living in vulnerable areas are making plans for what they will do if their power was

Labor Day weekend has sped up on us this year! While we still have some hot weather and summer days ahead, there’s a welcome briskness to the morning air, and just this morning, I noted leaves on the neighboring fruit trees changing colors from green to yellow. Alas, the end of summer is in sight!