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…
As La Quinta probate attorneys, we have many clients with children in high school or college. In the wake of graduation season, it is important to note that even 18 year olds needs some type of estate planning. We recommend the unconventional graduation gift this year: a durable power of…
Our Palm Springs Estate Planning attorneys have clients who frequently ask about putting their children’s name on their real property deed. The assumption is that this will avoid probate and will also avoid the necessity for a living trust or other complicated estate planning documents. However, this technique is usually…
The Supreme Court heard arguments last week regarding the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The legal arguments focused primarily on the 10th amendment and the freedom of individual states to choose how to define marriage. Ending DOMA would mean that the federal government would recognize any union…
Many parents fail to complete a will because they struggle with the decision of who to nominate as a guardian. However, failing to put your wishes in writing is detrimental to your whole family. The following are some of the most common concerns and possible solutions when naming a guardian…
All parents want to make sure their young children are provided for financially in the event of their death. Grandparents may also wish to leave assets to grandchildren in a will or trust. However, leaving assets outright to minor children is usually not a good idea. Additionally, naming minor children…
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.…
Our Palm Desert Estate Planning lawyers see too many clients fail to timely update their estate plan. Since Congress has not given us any idea if they will address the tax laws before January 1, 2013, our lawyers are planning for Estate Tax Armageddon. As we have previously posted, the…
There are some common estate planning mistakes that our Palm Desert estate attorneys frequently see in our practice. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your estate plan is valid and accurately reflects your wishes. Beneficiary Designations Check your beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts. These assets generally pass outside…
We had a very great summer here at Burt + Clerc. Palm Springs Life named Julia Burt as a Top Lawyer in the field of Estate Planning again this year in their June 2011 issue. Julia also recently received her specialist designation in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by…