In this episode, I break down the two essential documents every adult should have in place before they pass away: a financial power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney—also known in California as an advance healthcare directive. These documents aren't just for the wealthy; they're critical tools for anyone who wants to make sure their finances and healthcare decisions are handled properly if they're ever unable to do it themselves.

I also talk about the next step for many people: setting up a revocable living trust. Whether you're just getting started with estate planning or looking to fill in the gaps, this episode is a great place to begin.

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Setting up a living trust for your home is a crucial step in protecting your property and avoiding probate. In this episode, I walk you through the process step by step:

1. Create the Trust — Draft a legal document that clearly states who should inherit your home after you pass away.

2. Sign and Notarize — Ensure the trust is properly signed and notarized according to California law.

3. File the Deed — Draft, sign, and file a new deed with the county records office to formally transfer your home into the trust.

Taking these steps now can save your loved ones time, money, and stress down the road.

California residents: Protect your home with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

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Worried that putting your home in a revocable living trust will raise your property taxes? Good news — it won't. Thanks to Proposition 13, California homeowners can transfer real estate into a trust without triggering a tax reassessment. The California Board of Equalization ensures your low property tax rate is protected when you take this important estate planning step.

In this episode, I explain how a living trust helps you avoid probate, protect your family home, and keep your property taxes low.

California residents: Protect your home and your loved ones with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

#EstatePlanning #LivingTrust #FillThatBucket #Pevney #FinancialFreedom #OrangeCounty

Without a financial power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive, your loved ones may face serious challenges if you become incapacitated. Without these essential documents:

• No one will have the legal authority to manage your finances.

• Critical medical decisions could be left to a court-appointed stranger.

• After you pass away, your assets may be tied up in probate for years — costing your family time, money, and stress.

Don't let the government decide what happens to everything you've worked for.

California residents: Protect yourself and your family with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

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Every adult — no matter their age or wealth — should have key estate planning documents in place. In this episode, I explain the three essential documents everyone should have:

• Durable Power of Attorney — Ensures someone you trust can manage your finances if you're unable to.

• Advance Healthcare Directive — Outlines your medical wishes and appoints someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.

• Simple Will — Specifies how your assets should be distributed after you pass away.

For enhanced protection and to avoid probate, a revocable living trust can take your planning to the next level.

California residents: Protect your future with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

#EstatePlanning #LivingTrust #FillThatBucket #Pevney #FinancialFreedom #OrangeCounty

An outdated estate plan can create major problems for your loved ones. In this episode, I explain why regularly reviewing and updating your will, trust, and beneficiary designations is essential — especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child

Learn how keeping your estate plan current ensures your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

California residents: Stay prepared with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

#EstatePlanning #LivingTrust #FillThatBucket #Pevney #FinancialFreedom #OrangeCounty

An inheritance trust is designed to pass assets to beneficiaries with certain conditions in place. In this episode, I explain how inheritance trusts work, including:

• Setting age requirements for beneficiaries

• Encouraging positive social behaviors or milestones

• Distributing assets gradually rather than all at once

The trustee plays a key role in ensuring these conditions are followed as outlined in the trust. Learn how this tool can protect your family's legacy.

California residents: Secure your family's future with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

#EstatePlanning #LivingTrust #FillThatBucket #Pevney #FinancialFreedom #OrangeCounty

Blended families face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Without clear instructions in a will or trust, assets are often divided between a surviving spouse and children from a previous relationship — which may not align with your wishes.

In this episode, I explain why verbal instructions aren't enough and how proper estate planning can prevent family disputes and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

California residents: Protect your loved ones with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

#EstatePlanning #LivingTrust #FillThatBucket #Pevney #FinancialFreedom #OrangeCounty

As an estate planning lawyer, there are five things I would never do — and you shouldn't either. In this episode, I explain why I would avoid:

1. Putting my kids on the deed to my home

2. Handwriting my own will

3. Letting a client draft and file their own deed

4. Keeping estate planning documents in a bank safe deposit box

5. Naming a child under 18 as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy

Learn why these mistakes can create costly problems — and what you should do instead.

California residents: Protect your assets with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

#EstatePlanning #LivingTrust #FillThatBucket #Pevney #FinancialFreedom #OrangeCounty

Understanding inheritance taxes can help you plan smarter. The federal estate tax — also known as the death tax — currently applies only to estates worth over $13 million for individuals and $27 million for married couples. While most people won't owe federal estate tax, some states have their own estate tax rules.

Learn what this means for your family's future and how proper estate planning can protect your assets.

California residents: Protect your legacy with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Schedule yours now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

#EstatePlanning #LivingTrust #FillThatBucket #Pevney #FinancialFreedom #OrangeCounty