The Carmel Valley Life | Search Results

What You Should Know if You’re Considering Transferring Property Via a Trust

April 15, 2015 No Comment

What is a Step Up in Basis? And Why Should I Consider Transferring Property Via a Trust? There are number of reasons to create a Trust. Some of them involve avoiding Probate; others may involve avoiding conflict between heirs. However, one that most people don’t think about is avoiding capital gains taxes. I recently had […]

Merging Money Matters in Marriage

October 22, 2014 No Comment

No matter how much or little you have, matters of money illicit stress in people’s life and for many couple’s, fights over finances can break up the union. In an effort to avoid unnecessary battles, there are some planning steps you can take in advance of tying the knot. Talk about finances Keep finances out […]

Important Things to Consider Before Starting a New Business

September 16, 2014 No Comment

As an attorney with a practice focusing on Business Law and Estate Planning, I have met a fair share of individuals who have started businesses without doing the proper legwork and without knowing what they were getting themselves into. Before long, problems with business partners, legal issues, and money issues throw the business into a […]

A Few of My Favorite Spring Things in San Diego

April 22, 2014 No Comment

I love Spring in San Diego. Well, I really love every season in San Diego; but to me Spring seems to bring fresh opportunities and a sense of happiness everywhere you go as summer excitement begins. This month I would like to share with you some of the new activities I have been up to, […]

Same Sex Couples’ New Financial Landscape

February 27, 2014 No Comment

The Supreme Court overturned DOMA last summer and for some people their tax, estate planning and retirement planning changed overnight. For years, same sex, married couples have been excluded from participating in many benefits afforded heterosexual married couples. The recent change in the law means same sex married couples can now access some of the […]

The Difference Between a Revocable & Irrevocable Trust

February 10, 2014 No Comment

What is the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust? The answer to this may seem obvious. If your trust is revocable, it can be revoked, amended, or changed. If your trust is irrevocable, it cannot be revoked, and the terms within are absolute. What does this really mean? And why would you want an […]

Homework for the New Year

January 20, 2014 No Comment

It’s a New Year, and it’s time to get things organized. If your estate plan is complete, go through this checklist for some follow up steps to consider. If your estate plan is not complete, make it a goal for the New Year. □ Review your existing plan. Do you remember who you named as […]

Let’s Play Ball – Getting Active in Community Sports

December 30, 2013 No Comment

On occasion, I’ll hastily come to the conclusion that I have a fantastic idea and will act on it without considering the abundance of facts evidencing that it may not be such a fantastic idea. Most recently, I signed my husband and I up to play on a coed VAVI softball team. I had often […]

Elder Abuse Awareness

December 19, 2013 No Comment

Recently I have attended presentations and read various articles and campaigns spreading awareness about elder abuse. It is valuable information that must be passed on. There are different types of abuse that can occur, but in this article I’m particularly focusing on financial elder abuse. An Example of Financial Elder Abuse Kelly Phillips Erb, tax […]

You’re Protected, But What About Your Kids?

November 14, 2013 No Comment

I do not have children of my own yet, but I have a younger brother in college that has had me thinking about the need for young adults to take steps to protect themselves. My brother Stephen is an active 22 year old. He’ll go out boating, cliff jumping, to music festivals and travelling on […]

To My Fellow Mothers

October 25, 2013 No Comment

If you’re a Mom this message is for you. It has been circulated many times before in various ways, but it is worth repeating. So here it is – In this moment, I’m asking you to take a step back and think about all the negative self-talk that goes through your head each day. Consciously […]

Health Care Directives – Life’s Important Decisions

October 9, 2013 No Comment

Health Care Directives – One of Life’s Most Important Decisions California law provides individuals with the ability to document their health care wishes in the event they are unable to make health care decisions themselves. This may include documenting authorizations for organ donations, documenting the type of care and treatment you would want to receive, […]