Estate Planning – Blue Water Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Travelers: What to Pack, What to Sign, Who Needs What

Traveling soon? Don’t forget your legal checklist. Learn what documents to pack, how to protect your family, and why timing matters for Powers of Attorney.

Can My Agent Override My Life Support or Organ Donation Wishes?

This is one of the most common—and important—questions we hear when helping clients complete their Advance Health Care Directives (AHCDs). So let’s clear up how it works, what powers your agent really has, and how you can ensure your wishes are honored exactly as you intend. Understanding Your Agent...

California’s 2025 Small Estate Affidavit: A Game-Changer for Probate Avoidance

California’s new small estate affidavit law (AB 2016) takes effect April 1, 2025, making it easier to transfer assets without probate. Learn about the updated thresholds, filing process, and why a living trust is still the best estate planning option

Who Needs a Special Needs Trust? How to Protect Your Loved One’s Future Without Losing Benefits

A Special Needs Trust helps secure your loved one’s future while preserving Medi-Cal & SSI benefits. Learn the differences between first-party, third-party, and pooled trusts—plus why leaving money to a sibling may not be the best option.

Estate Planning Chats: Making the Most of Holiday Gatherings

Thanksgiving: A Season for Family, Gratitude, Pie and… Estate Planning? Yes, you read that right. While Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey and gratitude, it can also be an ideal time to broach the often-dodged topic of estate planning. When families gather, it creates a rare opportunity fo...

Why Guardian Nominations in California Are a Must-Have for Parents

Introduction Guardian nominations might sound like a complex legal term, but they’re crucial if you’re a parent in California. It’s your fail-safe, ensuring your kids are taken care of by someone you trust, should the unthinkable happen. Let’s break down why you need one, wha...

Honoring Ancestral Traditions: Estate Planning and the Latin Day of the Dead

Today, we’re diving into the Latin tradition of el Día de Muertos, otherwise known as the Day of the Dead, and how it can enlighten our approach to estate planning. Please join us in remembering those we have lost and celebrating their legacies! The Day of the Dead – More Than Just Skull...

Secure Your Pet’s Future with a Trust: More Than Just Puppy Love

Hey there, pet lovers! You’ve got the chew toys, the gourmet pet food, and even a pet cam to spy on—err, check in on—your furry friend while you’re away. But have you ever stopped to think about what would happen to your pet if you couldn’t be there for them? You probably already know the [&he...

Estate Planning Horror Stories: Cautionary Tales You Don’t Want to Star In

We’re setting sail on a voyage through some choppy waters of four estate planning horror stories. Trust me, these tales you don’t want to be a part of. 🚢💀 The Incapacitated Spouse and the Reverse Mortgage Debacle Emily and Jack have been married for decades. Unfortunately, Emily became i...

Ghosts of Estate Planning Past: Learning from Famous Wills and Trusts

It’s October, so in the spirit of spooky season, I thought I’d share a ghost story. Ok, really lessons we can learn from mistakes made by the rich and famous. 🌟 Estate planning might not be as dazzling as a Hollywood premiere, but listen, even the stars have to think about it. Let’...