Navigating estate planning as a surviving spouse can be complex, especially when dealing with the intricacies of an A-B trust. In this episode of "Trustee and Executor Responsibilities: Best Practices and Pitfalls," Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert focus on the A-B Trust—an estate planning tool that was once commonly used to minimize estate taxes but is often misunderstood today. They explain what an A-B Trust is, why it's important to address the trust split promptly after a spouse's passing, and the complications that can arise if it's delayed. Whether you're a trustee, executor, or simply looking to better understand how to protect your assets, this episode offers clear, practical advice to guide you through the process. Tune in to learn the essential do's and don'ts for surviving spouses handling an A-B trust.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:11 Curious about how an A-B Trust works? Press play here for a straightforward explanation.

1:52 Did you know an A-B Trust might not be the best tool for avoiding estate taxes?

3:14 Ever heard of a "stale trust"? This is what happens when you wait too long to address your trust after a loved one passes.

4:14 If you have an A-B Trust, splitting it when your spouse passes is required—but there is a potential workaround. Learn more here.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

Taking on the role of a trustee or executor can be daunting—and for good reason! With so many responsibilities and legal requirements, checking all the necessary boxes can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, we continue our discussion on trustee and executor duties, focusing on the critical importance of notices. For instance, the trustee's or executor's responsibility is to ensure that all beneficiaries and heirs are properly notified of the decedent's passing. And that's just the beginning. If you've recently been named a trustee or executor, you won't want to miss the valuable insights in this episode. Tune in now!

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:40 Did you know that when someone passes away, a notice must be sent to beneficiaries and heirs?

3:20 An often overlooked but essential notice must be sent to the Department of Health Care Services, even if the deceased wasn't receiving Medi-Cal.

5:20 If the estate includes real property, notifying the assessor's office is a must. Press play now for what you need to know.

6:18 What if there are multiple properties spread across different counties? Listen in for Jessica's key tip on handling this situation.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

When asked to be a family member's trustee or executor, it's easy to immediately say yes out of love and a sense of duty. It's just some paperwork, right? How hard could it be? At Absolute Trust Counsel, we've seen the struggles trustees and executors face, particularly when they are family members. The role involves a heavy workload, significant responsibility, and the meticulous task of bookkeeping—often the most daunting part.

It's easy to overlook these critical aspects, which is why our goal for this episode of Absolute Trust Talk is to ensure you're fully informed. Whether you're currently serving as a trustee or executor, planning to take on the role, or considering appointing someone yourself, this episode is not to be missed.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

0:40 Jessica begins by explaining the nuanced differences between a trustee and an executor, clarifying the roles of executor and administrator in this context.

1:50 Common misunderstandings arise about family members appointed as trustees or executors, particularly the amount of work involved.

3:22 Jessica highlights the significant level of responsibility that trustees and executors must shoulder.

4:40 While the workload and responsibility are critical, there's one particular challenge that stands out above the rest. Here's what you need to know.

7:12 We conclude by encouraging all trustees and executors to take these lessons to heart, ensuring they are fully prepared for their roles.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

Can you avoid probate without a trust? The short answer is yes, but the alternatives can have risks and offer limited control over your assets. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kiersten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore various probate-avoidance strategies, including beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death accounts, and joint ownership. Tune in to gain valuable insights, understand the drawbacks of these methods, and discover more secure ways to prepare for death or incapacity while minimizing risks.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:00 There are a few options for avoiding probate without a trust, but we don't recommend going an alternative route unless there are extenuating circumstances.

3:00 One common method is a Transfer-on-Death account, but this type can have many issues. Listen in to learn why.

4:56 Another way to bypass probate without having a trust is through Assets Owned in Joint Ownership. Here's what you need to know.

6:53 One consideration often overlooked is incapacity planning - a key aspect of estate planning and another reason we don't like using the Transfer-on-death method.

8:15 Final takeaway: Most of the options for avoiding probate without a trust come with risks because they neglect to consider many common circumstances in future planning.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

Navigating the administration of a life estate trust with real property can be a complex task. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe is joined by Karen Fisher and Kathy Rodriguez of Bishop Fiduciary Services to delve into the intricacies of life estates involving real estate. They cover the unexpected responsibilities of a trustee, strategies for properly dividing assets, and essential tips to set up your trust for success if you own property. Whether you're crafting your estate plan, managing one for someone else, or potentially inheriting one, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

2:36 Being a trustee comes with a wide range of responsibilities. One important aspect is to examine the terms of the trust to determine what the life estate beneficiary and trustee are responsible for. It's also very important to consider liquidity.

7:58 What if a beneficiary wants a portion of the trust to go toward their inheritance? Short answer: Trust the trust.

10:30 Many questions and concerns about the property can be eliminated by one action: Getting an appraisal.

11:30 Interested in the appraisal process? Tune in now as Karen and Kathy break it down for us.

16:45 We asked our guests what they wished their client's trust included. Here's what our experts had to say about trust inclusions.

17:52 Karen's time- and money-saving advice: Don't wait to downsize.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

19:00 Thank you to our amazing guests, Kathy and Karen, for sharing such great insights with us!

Managing a trust can be challenging, especially when it involves real estate assets. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes Karen Fisher, founder of Bishop Fiduciary Services, and Kathy Rodriguez, a licensed professional fiduciary and co-trustee with Bishop Fiduciary Services. Together, we will explore the complexities of life estates and trustee responsibilities and the essential steps for protecting and maintaining real estate assets, from securing insurance and handling maintenance to addressing unique challenges faced by elderly inhabitants. Karen and Kathy also highlight the critical differences between professional fiduciaries and family member trustees. Tune in to gain valuable insights and hear real-life examples that will help you manage these responsibilities with confidence.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:18 Please join us in welcoming Karen Fisher and Kathy Rodriguez of Bishop Fiduciary Services!

3:20 To help get us started, Karen and Kathy define what a licensed professional fiduciary does and why they are unique to the estate planning and administrative world.

6:00 Why is it so crucial to evaluate the condition and value of property in a trust?

9:25 There are countless things to think about when you're in charge of someone else's real estate. Here are a few you might not have considered.

13:50 Estate planning can involve some tough conversations. Hear how Karen and Kathy handle these sensitive topics with senior homeowners.

15:50 As professional trustees, Karen and Kathy think about things that family-appointed trustees might overlook, like fire hazards or fall risks. Let's dive into that.

16:35 What should a trustee do when they're responsible for a home that's empty?

19:10 Storytime! Listen to this wild tale about professional squatters moving in overnight.

20:30 Thanks so much to Karen and Kathy for their amazing insights. We can't wait for Part 2 of this conversation!

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

To all of our local Bay Area listeners, you may have heard about the recent story of a three-bedroom house listed for $488,000 in San Francisco's Russian Hill with a tenant renting it for only $417 a month. How is that even possible?! If you're as intrigued as we are, stick with us for this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, where we will be dissecting this situation with associate attorney Jessica Colbert. Listen in as we explore crucial lessons in trust management, the impact of California's Prop 19 on property taxes, and the importance of updating estate plans as circumstances change. There's so much wisdom to take away from this episode, so don't miss out!

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:01 Here's what we know about the situation around the San Francisco Russian Hill house listed for $488,000.

6:23 What happens to a family home after the homeowner dies can be a difficult thing to navigate. We suspect a few specific issues present in this unique case, including the potential for undue influence. Listen in as we discuss!

9:39 Next, Kirsten and Jessica discuss a few ways the grantor could have avoided the issues seen in the Russian Hill case.

11:47 Under Prop 19, homeowners can pass their homes down to their children without increased property taxes as long as the children make it their primary residence. If Prop 19 had been considered in this scenario, it could have prevented several issues.

15:04 If there is one lesson to take away from this episode, it's this: When circumstances change, talk to your attorney about how it might affect your estate plan and adjust accordingly.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

We've all heard the saying, "Don't put all your eggs into one basket," which rings true for building your portfolio. The ideal portfolio consists of more than stocks and bonds – it includes Alternative Investments, like real estate, drilling funds, and value adds. In this episode of Absolute Trust Counsel, certified financial planner Miguel Delgado joins us for a third installment of our financial planning discussion to take a deep dive into this invaluable topic. Together, we'll discuss the benefits of Alternative Investments, the different types, how to qualify, and how you can get the most out of them. These strategies include qualified opportunity zones (QOZ), 1031 exchanges, and so much more. Don't miss out - tune in now!

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:33 We've all heard the saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket," so to start us out, we're discussing asset diversification and what it truly means.

2:51 Having a diverse mix of stocks and bonds can lessen your risk to an extent, but at the end of the day, they all belong to the same asset class. That's why, in this segment, we explore Alternative Investments.

5:40 What makes alternative investments less volatile? They're not affected by the same risks as publicly traded markets, like stocks and bonds.

8:37 Not everyone qualifies for Alternative Investments. Here's what you need to know.

11:15 Why are Alternative Investments crucial for a portfolio? The number one reason is spreading out risk.

13:09 Press Play as we explore some Alternative Investments and their benefits, starting with drilling funds.

15:37 A Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) investment allows you to defer taxes for an event where capital gain is triggered.

18:35 A QOZ investment and 1031 Exchange are similar but have key differences. Listen in for everything you need to know.

20:41 While QOZ investments and 1031 Exchanges can both be used on real estate assets, one could be preferred over the other, depending on the circumstance. Here's why.

22:47 Thank you, Miguel, for sharing your incredible insights with us!

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In our latest episode, we welcome back Miguel Delgado, Senior Wealth Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management. Miguel previously offered an excellent inside look at financial planning for small businesses, and his insights were so valuable that we knew we had to have him on again.

This time, we're diving deeper into the challenges that businesses often face, challenges that might need to be added to your radar. For instance, how can you improve employee retention? And for all the business owners out there, do you have a buy-sell agreement in place in case a co-owner decides to exit the business?

Tune into this episode of Absolute Trust Talk to learn from an expert in the field. Miguel's wisdom could be the key to enhancing your own financial and business planning strategies.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:37 We're thrilled to welcome Miguel Delgado back to the show as we continue discussing building business longevity.

7:31 Need help with employee retention? Listen now for some fantastic recommendations that can help you keep your team happy and engaged.

9:20 Ever heard of a Golden Parachute Plan? Discover this unique incentive that isn't required for all employees but can significantly boost retention.

11:48 Looking for high-value, low-cost employee benefits? Don't miss this segment, where we discuss options that benefit you and your employees.

13:14 What happens when business owners lack a buy-sell agreement? Miguel sees this issue frequently. Press play to learn what you can do to prevent potential problems.

18:16 Disability buyout insurance—ever heard of it? Neither had we, but it could be a game-changer. Find out if it's worth considering for your business.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

Are you a business owner or partner? If so, you don't want to miss this episode of Absolute Trust Talk! We're exploring all things financial planning for business owners so you can transform your business success into personal wealth. Joining us is Miguel Delgado, Senior Wealth Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management, who specializes in tax minimization, asset protection, and fulfilling personal passions. Together, we'll discuss ways you can maximize your savings, secure your assets, and plan for a successful, stress-free retirement. You can even apply some of these tips to your plan today, so let's get started!

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

0:15 Meet our special guest today, Miguel Delgado, Senior Wealth Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management.

1:48 To get things started, Miguel shares why he likes working with business owners.

3:56 When it comes to helping business owners with wealth management, there are some "low-hanging fruits" that can make a big difference, like looking at tax planning, taking advantage of HSAs, and considering upgrading their CPA.

7:32 How your business is registered can also play a role in your wealth management. Learn more in this segment.

8:57 If you have a partner or partners in your business, have you reviewed your legal agreements lately?

10:04 We see it all the time – the business is profitable, but the owner doesn't keep much of the profit for themselves. Miguel shares key insights on why this happens and how to avoid it.

14:27 When financial planning with business owners, the key is understanding goals and objectives. Here's what should be considered.

17:17 Thank you, Miguel, and we can't wait to have you again on our next episode!

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.