What is Community Property?
If you are married, regardless of where you live, you should consider adding a valuable tool to your estate plan: a South Dakota Special Spousal Trust, also known as a Community Property Trust (CPT). A CPT can help couples...more
Although a common misconception, common law marriages in California do not exist. In fact, the state stopped recognizing this type of marriage in 1895. However, an option exists for California couples seeking legal...more
When a marriage ends, one of the most critical steps in the divorce process is often the most overlooked: financial disclosure....more
The Legal Limits of Interspousal Transfer Deeds and the Risk to Separate Property in California - In California, the idea of "what’s mine is yours" is more than just a romantic sentiment, it’s the legal default. California...more
Who gets to keep the dog in a California divorce? Much like children, pets can become the central focus of ownership disputes in a divorce, even though they are not human. State law increasingly recognizes a furry friend’s...more
A divorce can change how people remember their weddings. Instead of reminiscing about the tender moments, they tend to fixate on the price tag. Here are notes on whether you can recover common costs of your wedding when you...more
What are the essential elements of estate planning for a blended family here in San Diego or across California? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 1 in 5 households in the United States involves a subsequent...more
The state of California can recognize you and your partner as a couple without marriage. Through a registered domestic partnership, couples can receive state recognition of their relationship, while avoiding the formalities,...more
Arizona is a popular destination for people who are considering moving to a new state. According to the U.S. Census Bureau‘s American Community Survey, over a quarter of a million people move to Arizona every year....more
Cryptocurrency is an increasingly common investment in spouses’ portfolios. While cryptocurrency can present unique challenges due to the various exchanges, different forms of recordkeeping, and new vocabulary, the key...more
The recent death of legendary actor, Gene Hackman, age 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, age 65, has brought attention to the complexities surrounding their estate and illustrates the need for proper estate planning. At his...more
Divorce is an emotional and complex process, but one important aspect that often gets overlooked is your estate plan. If you don’t update it, your estranged spouse could still inherit your assets or make crucial financial and...more
Divorce can be challenging under any circumstances, but when community property is damaged during legal proceedings, the challenges and stress can escalate significantly. Here in Los Angeles, we seem to face that possibility...more
December 2024 Interest Rates for GRATs, Sales to Defective Grantor Trusts, Intra-Family Loans and Split-Interest Charitable Trusts - The December Section 7520 rate for use in estate planning techniques such as CRTs, CLTs,...more
The term "gray divorce" is commonly used to describe later-life separations, but "golden divorce" might be a more fitting term, suggesting optimism and new beginnings. This concept reminds me of the beloved 1980s sitcom The...more
Merriam-Webster defines “defunct” as “no longer living, existing, or functioning.” In Washington, a “defunct marriage” is a term for spouses who have given up any hope of salvaging the relationship, and yet for whatever...more
This article examines the importance of spousal consents in Arizona and New Mexico. Under Arizona law, lenders cannot enforce a guaranty against community property if the guarantor’s spouse did not consent to it. New Mexico...more
The 1970s were the heyday of the now-extinct television genre known as the variety show: a weekly extravaganza headlined by a well-known entertainer, generally accompanied by a supporting cast of singers, dancers and...more
What are some of the fundamental issues when estate planning for business owners? Why should every business owner have an estate plan? What are some of the primary issues to address in an effective estate plan for those who...more
This fifth installment of my multi-part series on Subchapter S is focused on married individuals who own shares of an S corporation. While the rules relating to shareholder eligibility seem straightforward, their application...more
In early January, the Minnesota Department of Commerce shared new details about the state’s Low and Moderate-income Accessible Community Solar Garden program (the “Program”) application process and requirements. Among other...more
One of the most common assets that divorcing couples own is real property. In many cases, the real property is limited to the marital residence. However, some cases also involve either residential or commercial investment...more
Unknown to many Floridians, Florida enacted the Community Property Trust Act which went into effect on July 1, 2021, and established the ability to convert non-community property into community property. The community...more
KEY FACTS OF REAL ESTATE ACQUISITIONS UNDER CZECH REPUBLIC LAW - I. Types of Real Property Transactions - a) Purchase of an undeveloped plot of land; b) Purchase of a developed plot of land; c) Purchase of a...more
When discussing the ever-evolving landscape of Florida’s commercial real estate (CRE) market, one trend has begun to stand out — the rise of pickleball. This sport, once a leisurely pastime, has turned into a compelling...more