Probate

The New Tax Law and Your Family’s Trust: What to Know Now

The One Big Beautiful Bill made headlines for raising the estate tax exemption — but buried in the footnotes is a provision that tax lawyers are calling a double taxation problem for family trusts. It’s not just a concern for the ultra-wealthy. Special needs trusts, spousal trusts, and life insurance trusts may all be affected. Here’s what you need to know right now — and what to do before the end of the year.

What Happens to Debt When You Die: What Families Must Know

When a loved one dies, debt collectors may call within days — implying that family members are responsible for balances they may have no legal obligation to pay. Debt doesn’t transfer to heirs the way assets do, but the exceptions matter enormously. Learn what really happens to debt after death, which situations create genuine personal liability, and how the right plan ensures your family knows exactly who to call when those calls come in.

Testamentary Trust vs. Living Trust: Part 2

A living trust created during your lifetime works very differently from a trust buried in your will — and the difference could save your family months of court delays, thousands in legal fees, and enormous stress during an already difficult time. In Part 2, learn exactly how a revocable living trust works, why funding it is the step most people miss, and how to decide which approach truly fits your family’s needs.

Older posts:

Hi, I'm Ruby

Hi, I'm Ruby

Estate Planning Attorney

I have practiced law for over 16 years, first working at a medium-sized firm in San Francisco handling civil litigation, and then moving into estate planning, small business and contract law since 2010. I value people, the planet, and prosperity that does not adversely affect the former.

« Learn More

The New Tax Law and Your Family’s Trust: What to Know Now

The One Big Beautiful Bill made headlines for raising the estate tax exemption — but buried in the footnotes is a provision that tax lawyers are calling a double taxation problem for family trusts. It’s not just a concern for the ultra-wealthy. Special needs trusts, spousal trusts, and life insurance trusts may all be affected. Here’s what you need to know right now — and what to do before the end of the year.

What Happens to Debt When You Die: What Families Must Know

When a loved one dies, debt collectors may call within days — implying that family members are responsible for balances they may have no legal obligation to pay. Debt doesn’t transfer to heirs the way assets do, but the exceptions matter enormously. Learn what really happens to debt after death, which situations create genuine personal liability, and how the right plan ensures your family knows exactly who to call when those calls come in.

Testamentary Trust vs. Living Trust: Part 2

A living trust created during your lifetime works very differently from a trust buried in your will — and the difference could save your family months of court delays, thousands in legal fees, and enormous stress during an already difficult time. In Part 2, learn exactly how a revocable living trust works, why funding it is the step most people miss, and how to decide which approach truly fits your family’s needs.

Older posts:

Hi, I'm Ruby

Hi, I'm Ruby

Estate Planning Attorney

I have practiced law for over 16 years, first working at a medium-sized firm in San Francisco handling civil litigation, and then moving into estate planning, small business and contract law since 2010. I value people, the planet, and prosperity that does not adversely affect the former.

« Learn More