Scott P. Schomer, Esq. has been selected for inclusion in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates in Los Angeles. This is Scott's first Best Lawyers recognition, and it places him among the top 5 percent of attorneys nationwide who earn this distinction. What Best Lawyers in America Recognizes Best Lawyers in America is one of the oldest and most respected peer-review guides in the legal profession. Unlike advertising-based rankings, attorneys cannot apply or pay … [Read more...] about Scott Schomer Named to Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates
Estate Planning
The Estate Plan You Think You Have
“We’re all set. We did our estate plan years ago.” Whenever I hear those words, I know it may be time to open the binder. Sometimes the binder is beautiful: leatherette cover, gold lettering, tabs, enough tabs to suggest that no further human intervention will ever be required. Then we start looking under the hood. They signed the trust in 2008. The house they bought in 2016 is still in their individual names. The successor trustee is now 81 and lives three states away. The children described … [Read more...] about The Estate Plan You Think You Have
Reasons to Incorporate a Living Trust into My California Estate Plan
Along with creating a roadmap for the distribution of your assets after you are gone, a comprehensive estate plan should protect your property during your lifetime, prepare for the possibility of incapacity, simplify the administration of your estate, and provide clear instructions for your loved ones. While a Last Will and Testament remains an important estate planning document, people often choose to incorporate a revocable living trust into their overall plan as well because of the … [Read more...] about Reasons to Incorporate a Living Trust into My California Estate Plan
When Estate Planning Documents Say One Thing—and Mean Another
Two recent conversations at Summit, one about blended family planning and one about trust language, highlight a challenge that shows up more often than attorneys might expect: clients and even attorneys sometimes read estate planning documents more literally than the drafters intended. This article explores how terms like "equal" and "irrevocable" can create real confusion and why helping clients understand how a plan actually functions matters just as much as how carefully it was drafted. … [Read more...] about When Estate Planning Documents Say One Thing—and Mean Another
Spring Summit 2026: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning held its semi-annual conference providing education and learning for and inspiring excellence in its Members. Continue reading to learn more about the unique experience at the conference. … [Read more...] about Spring Summit 2026: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler
How Divorce Impacts Your California Estate Plan
Divorce is one of the most disruptive life events you can experience. Alongside the emotional strain, divorce reshapes your legal rights, financial position, and long-term responsibilities. During the divorce process, your attention is understandably focused on property division, support obligations, and moving forward. Estate planning is often overlooked during this period, even though divorce directly affects nearly every component of an existing estate plan. If you do not take steps to revise … [Read more...] about How Divorce Impacts Your California Estate Plan
Common Gifting Errors You Can Avoid Making in Your California Estate Plan
Sharing wealth with family members, close friends, or charitable organizations can be one of the most gratifying aspects of estate planning. Unfortunately, however, it can be easy to make mistakes when incorporating gifts into a comprehensive estate plan. Understanding potential gifting mistakes in advance can help you make informed decisions and avoid making costly errors when making gifts in your own estate plan. Toward that end, the Los Angeles attorneys at Schomer Estate & Wealth … [Read more...] about Common Gifting Errors You Can Avoid Making in Your California Estate Plan
Serving as Executor in California: How to Steer Clear of Common Errors
Accepting appointment as the Executor of an estate carries both honor and legal responsibility. In California, the individual serving in this role, often called the personal representative, is charged with administering a deceased person’s estate in accordance with state probate law and the terms of the Will. The position demands careful attention, transparency, and consistent follow-through. Even Executors who approach the task with good intentions can encounter problems when unfamiliar rules … [Read more...] about Serving as Executor in California: How to Steer Clear of Common Errors
California End-of-Life Practical and Legal Steps
Knowing that you will not live forever is not the same as knowing that death is near. Whether you were recently diagnosed with a terminal condition, or you simply know that death is not far away, you probably feel the need to make sure your “affairs” are in order. The idea of sitting down and engaging in end-of-life planning may sound morbid, but for others, the thought of not planning is worse. With that in mind, the Los Angeles attorneys at Schomer Law Group, APC discuss important California … [Read more...] about California End-of-Life Practical and Legal Steps
Reasons to Update the Beneficiaries in Your California Estate Plan
Updating the beneficiaries in your estate plan is a vital part of maintaining long-term financial security for the people and causes that matter most to you. A well-crafted estate plan protects loved ones and ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, but these intentions can only be honored if the individuals or organizations listed as beneficiaries accurately reflect your current circumstances. As life changes, relationships shift, new family members arrive, and … [Read more...] about Reasons to Update the Beneficiaries in Your California Estate Plan
