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
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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.
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Worried that putting your home in a trust will trigger your mortgage's due-on-sale clause? Thanks to the Garn-St. Germain Act, your lender can’t accelerate your loan. Learn how to protect your home and avoid probate with a revocable living trust
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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...
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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...
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Introduction At Thatcher | Law, APC, we believe that life’s lessons can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the dimly lit corners of our favorite scary movies. October is a month of pumpkins, costumes, and spine-chilling tales. As the leaves change and nights grow colder, many of u...
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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...
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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...
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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’...
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Let’s talk about something people often brush under the rug: estate planning. Now, before you scroll away thinking: “I don’t have an estate” or “The bank owns my house” or even, “That’s for the Jeff Bezoses or Elon Musks of the world” – hang on a sec. Estate planning isn̵...
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