California has roughly 900 new laws that will go into effect in 2015. Some of the highlights are: Immigrant Driver’s Licenses The DMV will now issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants if they meet every qualification including passing a driving test. Plastic Bag Ban Grocery stores will stop using single-use…
As Palm Desert estate planning attorneys, we frequently see clients with beneficiary designation issues. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlights this integral part of estate planning. A Will or Trust is very important but will not work for assets with beneficiary designations. Every year you should check…
Some celebrity estates are embroiled in the media and legal battles while others remain private and relatively peaceful. Here are some lessons learned from the estates of the rich and famous. Fund Your Revocable Trust Recently deceased Paul Walker set up a trust for the benefit of his minor daughter.…
As estate planning lawyers in Palm Springs, we frequently get asked by clients to prepare deeds transferring property to children. As we have previously discussed, using deeds as an estate plan is very risky and not recommended. A recent bankruptcy ruling in Oklahoma highlights this problem: Whether for carpentry or…
The IRS recently declared that same-sex married couples will enjoy the same tax treatment as straight couples beginning on September 16, 2013. This is an important decision since the practical realities of life post-DOMA were uncertain. Now, same-sex married persons can file joint returns, amend previous returns and request refunds…
While the end of DOMA is wonderful, it doesn’t solve all problems for same-sex couples. The lifting of DOMA restrictions only applies to married same-sex couples. Unmarried same-sex, and also opposite-sex, couples have unique issues and concerns when creating an estate plan. Various techniques and tax saving vehicles are unavailable…
There are numerous tax and other important consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Also, estate planning for same-sex married couples will be easier and less cumbersome than ever before. Some of the effects of the recent decision are discussed below. “Married” Filing…
The Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. The act defined marriage under federal law as between a “man and a woman.” That definition is no longer valid. This means that same-sex couples who are legally married will be treated like any other married couple…
We at Burt + Clerc are happy to share the news that Julia E. Burt was named “Top Lawyer” by Palm Springs Life Magazine for 2013. Julia is a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law as well as a California Certified Public Accountant. You can read all…
We didn’t fall off the fiscal cliff. In the wee hours of January 1, 2013 Congress finally reached a deal on taxes. The American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) outlines the changes to taxes in 2013. The new laws are similar to those in existence in 2012 with some slight modifications.…