FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
Estate planning is the process of arranging your legal and financial affairs so your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated or pass away. It allows you to direct how your assets will be distributed, appoint trusted decision-makers, and provide clarity for your family.
For residents of California, planning is especially important because probate can be costly, time-consuming, and public. A properly structured estate plan can help avoid probate, preserve privacy, and ensure a smoother transition for your loved ones. Strategic planning, including lifetime gifting and other tax-efficient strategies, can also reduce estate taxes and help pass more wealth to your beneficiaries.
The best time to start estate planning is now. It is an ongoing process that adapts alongside your life, family, and financial goals.
We recommend reviewing your estate plan:
- Every 2-3 years
- Upon significant liquidity events
- After changes in tax law
- Following major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, relocation)
- After substantial asset appreciation
Estate plans are dynamic documents and must evolve alongside your wealth.
To make our first meeting as productive and efficient as possible, we recommend bringing the following (if available):
- Personal and family information
- Any existing estate planning documents
- A financial overview (general list of assets and approximate values)
Most importantly, come prepared to discuss your goals. Our first meeting is a collaborative conversation. The more clarity you can provide about your wishes, the more effectively we can design and plan tailored to your circumstances.
The federal estate tax rate is currently 40% on amounts exceeding the estate tax exemption. For families with estates in excess of the exemption threshold, strategic planning can help to reduce estate tax exposure.
For some matters, we offer flat-fee arrangements, particularly when the scope of work is clearly defined. In other cases -especially more complex or evolving plans – we may bill on an hourly basis. The appropriate fee structure depends on the nature and complexity of the engagement.
We are committed to transparency. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your goals, assess the scope of planning required, and provide a clear estimate of anticipated fees before any work begins.
To receive a personalized estimate, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation