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Mackay Dressler Law Firm

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When Estate Planning Documents Say One Thing—and Mean Another

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Two recent conversations at Summit, one about blended family planning and one about trust language, highlight a challenge that shows up more often than attorneys might expect: clients and even attorneys sometimes read estate planning documents more literally than the drafters intended. This article explores how terms like “equal” and “irrevocable” can create real confusion and why helping clients understand how a plan actually functions matters just as much as how carefully it was drafted.

How to Transfer Your Home to Your Children the Smart Way

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  Hi there. My name is Miranda Dressler, an attorney with the MacKay Dressler Law Firm in Petaluma, California. And today we’re going to be talking about a little bit about one of the most common questions we get around property, which is, you know, how can I pass my home to my children without […]

Your LGBTQ+ Legacy: Choosing Beneficiaries

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  For many LGBTQ+ individuals and families, estate planning is about more than passing on assets — it is about protecting the people, relationships, and values that matter most. You are not obligated to leave your assets to family members. Instead, you can select beneficiaries from people or organizations who have significantly influenced your life. […]

Ask the Attorney: Are There Special Estate Planning Considerations for Same-Sex Couples?

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The answer is yes. While marriage laws themselves do provide many protections, there can still be gaps in inheritance laws, healthcare decision-making, and parental rights. So a tailored estate plan really ensures that your partner, you and your partner, and any children are fully protected, that your wishes are honored, and it helps really to […]

How To Set a Retirement Budget

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  A recent survey by the Federal Reserve found that average Americans have saved just over $223,000 as they approach retirement. Just how much money anyone needs to have a secure retirement is based on an individual’s needs, wants, and wishes. As an exercise, separate your mandatory expenses (needs) from your discretionary expenses (wants and […]