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; you must find other people to act as your witnesses.

2022 Updates for How to Probate an Estate in California

The 25th edition of How to Probate an Estate in California addresses federal estate and gift tax issues using numbers that were current for 2021. The federal government has updated those numbers for 2022. Issue Where in book 2021 number 2022 number Federal gift & estate tax lifetime exclusion

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

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

Witnessing and Notarizing Estate Planning Documents During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the process of finalizing estate planning documents by making it harder to gather witnesses or to visit a notary public. Thankfully, you have some options. Get Creative for Witness Signatures. Witnesses for wills cannot be beneficiaries of the will, and witnesses

2021 Changes to the Federal Estate Tax

For 2021, the IRS made small changes to the estate tax (and related taxes), mainly adjusting for inflation. Federal Estate Tax Exemption -- $11.7 million. Unless your taxable estate is worth more than $11.7 million, your estate will not owe federal estate tax if you die in 2021. This is an incremental

2020 Changes to the Federal Estate Tax

Learn about the changes the IRS made to the federal estate tax in 2020.

California Raises the Value of a "Small Estate"

Effective January 1, 2020. The California legislature made several significant changes to California’s “small estate” probate procedures. Learn how changes affect the probate process for estates of people who die after January 1, 2020.

2019 Changes to the Federal Estate Tax

Learn about the changes to the federal estate tax that occurred in 2019.

Updates to the 24th Edition of How to Probate an Estate in California

Here are a few changes to the 24th edition of How to Probate an Estate in California

2018 Changes to the Federal Estate Tax

Learn about 2018's changes for the federal estate tax and other related taxes.

Ohio Extends the UTMA Up To Age 25.

April 6, 2017. Ohio residents can now choose to end an UTMA at an age between 18 and 25.

Federal Estate Tax Exemption for 2017: $5.49 Million

January 1, 2017. Here are some estate-planning-related tax numbers for 2017.