Danny lived in his mother-in-law’s attic for the better part of a year. His business had failed. The house went with it. What he had left was his wife, two young kids, a cot under a slanted ceiling, and pizza on Saturday nights: the one thing the budget could still afford, and the one hour of the week that felt like living instead of surviving. I think about Danny's attic every time a client tells me what they're actually afraid of losing. It's rarely the house. It's rarely the number in … [Read more...] about Pizza in the Attic: What Legacy Planning Actually Looks Like
Estate Planning
Estate Planning for Real Estate Owners in California
For many people, real estate represents the single largest purchase they ever make and, therefore, becomes their most valuable asset. Others invest further in real estate by purchasing a vacation home, rental property, commercial real estate, agricultural land, or multiple investment properties. Whether you own a modest single-family home or a complex investment portfolio made up of real estate, those assets deserve special attention when you create or update your estate plan. Unlike financial … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Real Estate Owners in California
Exit Planning in Your California Estate Plan
Growing a successful business, purchasing investment property, and building wealth often requires decades of careful planning and disciplined decision-making. Eventually, however, you will reach another equally important phase of that journey which involves determining what will happen when it is time to step away. Whether that happens because of incapacity, retirement, or death, a carefully designed exit strategy is crucial to a successful and orderly transition that protects your interests and … [Read more...] about Exit Planning in Your California Estate Plan
Why Updating Your California Estate Plan Should Be on Your Travel Checklist
When preparing for a vacation, most people focus on booking flights, confirming hotel reservations, arranging transportation, and creating itineraries. Few travelers stop to consider whether their estate plan is prepared for the possibility of an unexpected emergency. While no one wants to think about serious illness, injury, or death before embarking on a long-awaited trip, travel often serves as an important reminder that life can change unexpectedly. Whether you are planning a weekend … [Read more...] about Why Updating Your California Estate Plan Should Be on Your Travel Checklist
Still Fighting: The Estate Planning Legacy of Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty spent years fighting breast cancer with courage and candor. In her final days, she also fought to finalize her divorce – signing the settlement just one day before she died. More than a year later, her estate is still fighting to enforce it. Shannen’s story is a powerful reminder that even the best-laid plans can unravel when the wrong people are involved – and that naming the right Trustee may be the most important decision you ever make. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about Still Fighting: The Estate Planning Legacy of Shannen Doherty
Declare Your Independence From Intestacy
Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the right to determine our own destiny. Yet many Americans leave some of life's most important decisions to state intestacy laws by failing to create an Estate Plan. This Independence Day, learn why declaring your independence from intestacy may be one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave for the people you love. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about Declare Your Independence From Intestacy
High Net Worth Estate Planning in California
Building substantial wealth often requires decades of hard work, disciplined investing, successful business decisions, and careful financial management. While accumulating wealth presents opportunities, it also creates unique estate planning challenges that extend far beyond the concerns faced by the average family. If you have a high net worth, a basic estate plan may not adequately address the complexities associated with preserving, protecting, and transferring significant assets. For … [Read more...] about High Net Worth Estate Planning in California
Best of LA 2026: Schomer Estate and Wealth Advisors Named a Top Trusts and Estates Law Firm
We are proud to announce that Schomer Estate and Wealth Advisors has been named a Best of LA 2026 honoree by Los Angeles Magazine in the Trusts and Estates category. This recognition reflects our team's ongoing commitment to helping Los Angeles families protect what matters most through thoughtful estate planning, trust administration, and elder law services. You may find the magazine here: https://lamag.com/best-of-l-a-legal-2026/. What Is Best of LA? Each year, Los Angeles Magazine … [Read more...] about Best of LA 2026: Schomer Estate and Wealth Advisors Named a Top Trusts and Estates Law Firm
That Would Never Happen: The Most Dangerous Words in Estate Planning
One of the most common—and dangerous—phrases in Estate Planning is “that would never happen.” This article explores how assumptions about family dynamics, relationships, and behavior often lead to unintended conflict, litigation, and failed plans. By examining where these assumptions break down, both attorneys and families can build Estate Plans designed to withstand real-world challenges. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about That Would Never Happen: The Most Dangerous Words in Estate Planning
IRS Warning: The 2026 Dirty Dozen Tax Scams
As we approach the end of another tax season, it’s a good time to review the list of “Dirty Dozen” tax schemes published by the Internal Revenue Service for the year. Many of these schemes peak during tax time and involve fraudsters looking for ways to steal taxpayers’ money, personal information, and data. Attorneys can help their clients by alerting them to these scams and providing advice on how to avoid them. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about IRS Warning: The 2026 Dirty Dozen Tax Scams
