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.

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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

Can one child buy out another child's share of their parents' inheritance? The answer depends on whether there's an estate plan — and what it says.

In this episode, we discuss how a living trust can outline clear instructions for property distribution, including whether the trustee must sell the home and split the proceeds among beneficiaries. Without proper planning, buyouts and disputes can become complicated.

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

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Did you know a relative like an aunt or uncle can leave you their home through a living trust — even if they're not your parent? In this episode, we explain why a trust is the best way to transfer property, offering key benefits like:

✅ Avoiding costly probate

✅ Ensuring clear control over asset distribution

✅ Maintaining privacy

✅ Ensuring a smooth and timely transfer of property

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

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

If you're both the trustee and beneficiary of a trust and inherit a home from a parent, should you put it in your own name or keep it in the trust? The answer isn't always straightforward — it depends on what the trust document says. In this episode, we discuss how to handle inherited property, when to transfer it to your name, and why it may be time to start a trust of your own.

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

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Wills and trusts may seem similar, but they serve very different purposes. In this episode, we break down the key differences — from protecting your assets during incapacity to controlling how your beneficiaries receive their inheritance. Discover why a living trust offers greater protection, more control, and helps you avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process.

🏡 California residents: Protect your family's future with a FREE estate planning strategy session. Book yours today at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

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

Naming (and updating) beneficiaries on your financial accounts is essential to protecting your assets. In this episode, we explain why properly designated beneficiaries — on checking, savings, investment accounts, and life insurance — are a vital part of a complete estate plan. Learn how this simple step can save your loved ones time, money, and stress.

🏡 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

Free Estate Planning Strategy Session for California Residents www.ocestateplanlawyer.com

What happens if your parents pass away without a will or trust? The state takes control, deciding who gets their assets. This process, known as probate, can be lengthy, costly, and often leads to family disputes. In this episode, we break down how estate planning can help you avoid these headaches, protect your inheritance, and ensure your family's future stays secure. Learn how living trusts, wills, and smart planning can save time, money, and stress. Don't leave it up to the courts—take control of your legacy today.

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Can a deed to a home be filed after someone passes away? Sometimes — but it's complicated. In this episode, we break down when this is possible, what steps you need to take, and how proper estate planning can help you avoid costly delays and probate headaches.

🏡 If you're a California resident, don't leave your family's future to chance. Book your FREE estate planning strategy session now at www.ocestateplanlawyer.com.

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

Free Estate Planning Strategy Session for California Residents www.ocestateplanlawyer.com Avoiding probate should be a key part of your estate planning strategy. Here are the top four reasons why: First, probate can be a lengthy process, often taking months or even years to settle, which delays your loved ones from accessing their inheritance. Second, the probate process is public, meaning anyone can access details about your estate—avoiding probate helps keep your financial affairs private. Third, probate can be expensive, with legal fees and court costs eating into the value of your estate, so probate avoidance can save your heirs money. Finally, by avoiding probate, you maintain control over how and when your assets are distributed, rather than leaving those decisions in the hands of the court. If you want to learn more about how to avoid probate and ensure your estate plan is airtight, follow me for more estate planning tips and strategies. #EstatePlanning #LivingTrust #FillThatBucket #Pevney #financialfreedom #orangecounty