Practical perspectives on estate planning, trust design, incapacity, and family governance — written for clients who want to understand the decisions they are making.
Reviewing fiduciaries, asset titling, beneficiary designations, and business interests once a year prevents the emergencies that derail otherwise well-structured plans.
Second marriages, children from prior relationships, and shared real estate require careful intake before strategy begins. Here is how experienced estate counsel approaches it.
A practical checklist for powers of attorney, health directives, account access authorization, and trustee readiness — before a crisis makes the conversation harder.
Probate in California is public, slow, and expensive. Understanding what passes outside a will — and what does not — is the first step toward a plan that actually works.
A personal revocable trust protects your family. It does not automatically protect the business. Here is how to align both structures so neither undermines the other.
Owning property in more than one state can mean multiple probates. A properly drafted trust with correct titling is the most reliable solution — but the details matter.
General guidance is a starting point. A private consultation with Catherine gives you answers specific to your family, your assets, and your state.