Legal Updates for Wills, Trusts & Estates

2022 Federal and Gift Tax Updates

For 2022, the IRS made small changes to the federal estate tax and annual gift tax exemptions, mainly adjusting for inflation.

California Raised "Small Estate" Values in 2022

The value of an estate that qualifies for the "small estate" probate shortcut in California changed again in 2022.

California TOD Deeds Now Require Witnessing

California passed new legislation, effective January 1, 2022, requiring that transfer on death (TOD) deeds be signed by two adult witnesses. The witnesses cannot also be named as beneficiaries (recipients of the property upon the owner's death) on the deed.

2022 Updates for How to Probate an Estate in California

If you're probating an estate in California, be aware that federal estate and gift tax numbers, as well as California's maximum values for small estate procedures, have changed in 2022.

California’s Prop 19 Changes Parent-Child Property Tax Assessments

In November 2020, California voters passed Proposition 19, which limits the ability to avoid property tax reassessment when property passes between parents and children.

Ohio Extends UTMA age to 25

As of April 6, 2017, Ohio residents can now choose to end an UTMA custodianship at any age in the range of 18-25.