John Hartog explains Common Estate Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Clients, friends and colleagues often ask me "how often should I update my estate plan?" Estate planning attorneys commonly recommend that you review your estate plan documents - i.e., your will, revocable "living" trusts, power of attorney for financial matters, and advance health care directives - at least every five years.

High property values in California highlight the need for careful property tax planning. If you have owned your property for many years, it is likely that your property's assessed value for property tax purposes is significantly lower than today's fair market value. If your property should be reassessed, you or your family members could be faced with a significant increase in the annual property tax.

Trustees should anticipate that beneficiaries’ inquiries and demands will intensify.