Proper Record Keeping Can Save Your California Small Business
For small business owners, efficient record-keeping is not just a best practice—it’s a critical component for success and sustainability. Here’s just a few reasons why maintaining accurate and organized records is so essential: Legal Compliance: Proper record-keeping ensures your business complies with federal, state, and local regulations. This includes maintaining records for taxes, employment, and industry-specific […]
The Legal Loophole That Can Save Your California Home – Even if You’re Deported
Many families today live in fear of deportation — not just of leaving the life they’ve built, but of losing the home they’ve worked so hard for. But here’s something not everyone realizes: There are legal steps you can take right now to protect your home and your family, even if the unexpected happens. This […]
An Estate Planning Scenario to Consider
How does trust-based estate planning give you more control and flexibility? Here is a scenario to consider: After working and saving for 30 years, you’ve accumulated over a million dollars in assets, to be divided equally among your three children. For now, let’s focus on your youngest, an impulsive 23-year old, Sam, who hasn’t learned […]
What are Beneficiary Controlled Trusts?
Would you like to provide your children or loved ones with an inheritance but protect them from the risks that may accompany a large windfall? If so, you can create a beneficiary-controlled trust in which the person you name as the trust’s primary beneficiary has rights, benefits, and control over the property held by the […]
Should Your Child’s Guardian and Trustee Be the Same Person?
If you have overheard any estate planning discussions, you have likely heard the words “guardian” or “trustee.” Although there is no substitute for you as a parent, a guardian is someone who steps in when you pass away to assume your parental role and raise your minor child through legal adulthood. Conversely, a trustee manages […]
Things to Consider Before Accepting Your Inheritance
Finding out that you’ve been left an inheritance often brings a wave of mixed emotions. It’s a bittersweet moment—on one hand, it’s a sign that someone cared enough about you to leave something behind. On the other, it usually follows the loss of someone dear, making the moment heavy with both sentiment and responsibility. But […]
5 Reasons to Create an Estate Plan in California
Todd thought estate planning was unnecessary. After all, his family and friends knew what he wanted, right? He trusted them to carry out his wishes after he was gone. Todd did not realize how not having an estate plan would affect his family. If he had, maybe he would have talked to an estate planning […]
Statements of Intent in Your Estate Plan
The reasons you create a trust are certainly special and important to you, but your intent or purpose for creating a trust can also have significant legal ramifications. For this reason, it is often critical that a trustmaker express in writing their purpose for creating the trust. There are essentially two different ways of documenting […]
Power of Attorney for Military Members: What You Need to Know
At Heather Lynn Law, we recognize that military members face unique challenges regarding legal matters, particularly when it comes to managing affairs during deployments or extended service. A power of attorney (POA) is a vital tool that allows military personnel to designate someone to handle financial and legal decisions on their behalf. Understanding its importance can […]
Should You Share Your Estate Planning Details With Loved Ones?
When you decide to create a comprehensive estate plan, there are many things to consider. One is whether to tell your loved ones about your plan and how much information to share with them. Estate planning can be a complex and sensitive matter, so your choice may depend on your unique relationships with loved ones […]