Orange County Estate Planning Blog

As a single parent, you constantly juggle numerous responsibilities while ensuring your children’s future is bright and secure. I understand that your primary goal is to safeguard their future. I’m Jonathan Alexander, an experienced Orange County Estate Planning Attorney, with a passion for helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their assets and loved ones.…

As parents, we all want to protect our children and ensure their safety and well-being. But life is unpredictable, and emergencies can happen when we least expect them. That’s why it’s important to have a comprehensive estate plan in place, especially if you have young children. Let’s explore the story of the Johnson family to…

In the picturesque communities of Orange County, California, life is often bustling with family events, career pursuits, and social engagements. With so much going on, it’s easy for families to put off important tasks like estate planning. But what happens when someone dies without a will or estate plan, also known as dying intestate? This…

In the heart of Orange County, California, there lived two married couples: Tom and Mary, and Jack and Susan. Both couples had successful careers, beautiful homes, and children they adored. They spent their weekends at the beach, enjoying the sun, and attending their children’s soccer games. Like many in their community, they knew estate planning…

A grantor retained annuity trust (“Grat”) is a type of irrevocable trust that allows the creator (the “Grantor”) to avoid or minimize gift and estate taxes while retaining the right to receive an annuity payment.  How Does a GRAT Work? Here’s a high-level overview of how a GRAT operates:  What are the Benefits of a…

A dynasty trust is a type of trust that is created to pass wealth from generation to generation while avoiding taxes—forever—or at least as close to forever as possible.  Some states are more liberal than others when it comes to dynasty trust.  In California, a dynasty trust can exist for 90 years.  In other states…

A charitable lead trust (CLT) is a trust where assets are transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable entity.  The CLT then makes payments to one or more charities for fixed duration of time or for the lifetime of a selected individual.  When the CLT’s term ends, the remaining assets are transferred…

If you wait to long to establish an estate plan, upon your passing your heirs may be subject to the delay and expense of probate court.  We encourage our clients to plan early because it can be too late to establish an estate plan.  In California, in order to make a will or trust you…

To create a will in California you must: Be An individual at least 18 years of age or older. Be of sound mind, which means that you: Comprehend what it means to make a will. Know the nature and extent of the property you own. Can recall who your relatives are. Are in good mental…

A charitable remainder trust or (CRT) is a type of irrevocable trust that allows the person who creates it (called the “Grantor”) to receive income from the trust and even split the income with other beneficiaries for a period of time.  After the period expires, the assets that remain in the trust are gifted to…