Hello, everybody. My name is Miranda Dressler, attorney with MacKay Dressler Law Firm, located in Petaluma, California. And coming up this month, on March 31st, is Terri Schiavo Remembrance Day. And for those of you who are maybe my age or older, you may remember that case that happened in the 90s, where Terri Schiavo […]
Estate Planning
Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Selecting a trustee is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions in Estate Planning. While many individuals focus on who will receive their assets and how those assets will be distributed, far fewer consider the impact the Trustee will have on the management and distribution of those assets. This article explores why trustee selection matters, common pitfalls that lead to conflict and litigation, and how thoughtful planning can help preserve both family harmony and a lasting legacy.
How Do I Include a Pet in My Estate Plan?
If you’re a senior in Petaluma thinking about adopting a pet, you may feel torn. On one hand, the companionship of a dog or cat can brighten your days, ease loneliness, and give you a sense of purpose. On the other hand, you may worry about what happens if your pet outlives you. This leads […]
Tax Planning for 2025 and Beyond
Planning is important for your income taxation during life as well as for any estate taxes at death. With year-end approaching, it is an ideal time to begin planning for the year ahead. As Benjamin Franklin said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
The Seedier Side of the Holidays
Scammers will use any leverage possible to separate you from your money. This includes preying upon a grandparent’s love and concern for their grandchildren. The so-called grandparent scams are among the most popular scams targeting the elderly and rely upon details gleaned from social media sites to make the call seem realistic. It’s important to recognize the signs of potential scams and understand how to guard against them.
Don’t Be a Turkey or a Ham- Take Advantage of Your Annual per Donee Exclusion Amount
The holidays are a great time to review the past year and make plans for the upcoming one. Part of those plans should be reviewing your Estate Plan and considering what, if any, steps you should take to help you achieve your goals. One of the easiest, but most overlooked, ways to do some quick planning is to take advantage of the annual per donee exclusion amount which can have a tremendous impact on reducing the estate without use of the applicable exclusion amount.
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