If you have never heard of a trust protector, you are not alone; the role is relatively new to trust and estate law. A trust protector can be a valuable part of your estate plan, and it may be worth considering appointing one. The Role of a Trust Protector In general, the trust protector’s […]
Estate Planning
Inheritance Planning Insight: The Finer Details Matter
Inheritance planning involves careful decisions that shape how your property transfers and how easily your loved ones navigate the process. You protect your intentions when you pay attention to the fine points that support your documents and your long-term goals. These details may not seem important at first, yet they determine how smoothly your plan […]
How To Decline Being an Executor or Successor Trustee
Hi everybody, my name is Miranda Dressler, attorney with MacKay Dressler Law Firm in Petaluma, California. And today we’re going to talk a little bit about if you’re named as an executor or a successor trustee and you actually don’t want the job. Because at the end of the day, if you are named in […]
What Happens to Assets Left Out of a Living Trust?
Creating a living trust is one of the most effective ways to protect your estate, avoid probate, and maintain privacy. Yet even the best trust can only control the assets it actually owns. Many people take the time to establish a trust but forget to fund it completely, leaving some property outside its reach. When […]
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
If you are in a committed relationship but have decided to remain an unmarried couple, you still need to plan to protect your assets for yourselves and your children. We know that complexities can pop up suddenly, so it is never too early to start a shared estate plan. Because unmarried couples do not […]
Legacy Planning for Grandchildren: Sharing Family Roots
Your estate plan can do more than transfer wealth. It can guide your grandchildren, preserve your family’s identity, and offer a personal connection that outlasts your lifetime. In Petaluma, where values often run as deep as vineyards and family stories are tied to land, legacy planning for grandchildren gives you the tools to shape the […]






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