Estate Planning Attorney in San Jose, CA

40+ Years As California’s Most Trusted Estate Planners

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Blog

Blog

Estate Planning Tips, Tricks, and Breaking News

What are My Responsibilities if I’m Named an Executor?

Robert P. Bergman / February 28, 2023
If a loved one asks you to be the executor of their estate, think carefully before you take on this responsibility. While you have the option of declining the request, the person reaching out likely considers you to be responsible and detail oriented. An executor of an estate typically helps...
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How Do I Talk to My Parents About Estate Planning?

Robert P. Bergman / February 12, 2023
If you have a parent over the age of, say, 65, thoughts about their future may have started to creep into your mind. But because end-of-life planning can be emotional and overwhelming, it’s tempting to put these conversations off — and even more pleasing to avoid them altogether. If there’s...
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Cryptocurrency and Estate Planning: What Executors Need to Know

Robert P. Bergman / February 9, 2023
My dad is investing in cryptocurrency! I know nothing about it and, frankly, I am not interested in learning. I think it is a passing fad. When he dies and I am responsible for the distribution of his estate to my siblings, do I need to address the crypto?
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Does Your Will and Estate Planning Documents Need to Be Updated?

Does Your Will and Estate Planning Documents Need to Be Updated?

Robert P. Bergman / February 22, 2022
It’s generally recommended that you review your will and other end-of-life documents at least every few years, although there can be reasons to do a checkup more often.
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Beneficiary Designation, Contingent, Estate Planning Attorney, Executor, Guardian, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Inheritance, Pensions, Power of Attorney, Retirement Account, Spouses
Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives

Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives

Robert P. Bergman / July 29, 2021
Some people think that, because their assets are jointly owned with a spouse or are in a trust, they do not need a Power of Attorney, or that if they become incapacitated, their spouse automatically has the authority to make medical decisions on their behalf.
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Advance Directive, Agent, Durable Power of Attorney, Estate Planning Attorney, Guardian, Health Care Proxy, POA, Principal
What’s the Latest on Country Star Charley Pride’s Estate?

What’s the Latest on Country Star Charley Pride’s Estate?

Robert P. Bergman / July 28, 2021
There’s a battle brewing over the estate of Grammy-winning country star Charley Pride, fueled by a son few knew existed.
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Estate Planning Attorney, Probate Attorney, Undue Influence, Will Contest
Reviewing Estate Plans Matters

Reviewing Estate Plans Matters

Robert P. Bergman / July 6, 2021
Many of our parents completed their estate plans decades ago. The documents may still be valid. However, if they are stale or outdated, you may spend significant money trying to use them down the road.
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Affidavit, Beneficiary Designation, Decedent, Estate Planning Attorney, Estranged, Fees, Penalties, Personal Items, Power of Attorney, Probate, SECURE Act, Tax Laws, Will
What Happens If an Unmarried Partner Dies?

What Happens If an Unmarried Partner Dies?

Robert P. Bergman / July 1, 2021
A proper estate plan will help those left navigate the disposition of assets and the probate court system, especially for unmarried couples and some married same-sex couples.
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Beneficiary Designations, End-of-Life Care, Estate Planning Attorney, Healthcare Directive, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Incapacity, Inheritance, Intestacy, Kinship, Pensions, Probate, Tax-Deferred Retirement Accounts, Transfer on Death
How Do Special Needs Trusts Work?

How Do Special Needs Trusts Work?

Robert P. Bergman / June 29, 2021
Trusts give parents of special-needs children additional options for extending care and financial assistance. However, you might need some expert help.
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Beneficiary, First Party, Life Insurance, Medicaid, Pooled, Required Minimum Distributions, RMDs, Roth IRA, Special-Needs Trusts, SSI, Supplemental Security Income, Third Party, Traditional IRA, Trust, Trustee
Do Unrecorded Deeds Help or Hurt Estate Planning?

Do Unrecorded Deeds Help or Hurt Estate Planning?

Robert P. Bergman / June 23, 2021
While discussing estate planning with my parents, they told me that an attorney prepared a deed for them but told them not to record it yet.
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Your Will and Estate Planning Checklist

Your Will and Estate Planning Checklist

Robert P. Bergman / June 18, 2021
Most people should have a will, but it's rarely the most significant estate planning document that an individual will hold.
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Advance Directive, Assets, Beneficiary Designations, Digital Assets, Disinherit, Estate Planning Attorney, Living Will, Medical Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney, Trust, Will
What Do I Need to Know about Estate Planning?

What Do I Need to Know about Estate Planning?

Robert P. Bergman / June 18, 2021
Expert tips on why starting your estate plan early, choosing beneficiaries, and thinking about how you want to transfer your wealth to the next generation are critical for your financial future.
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Beneficiaries, Estate Planning, Executor, Guardian, Incapacity, Invalid, Power of Attorney, Wealth Accumulation, Will
Do You Have to Do Probate when Someone Dies?

Do You Have to Do Probate when Someone Dies?

Robert P. Bergman / June 18, 2021
For most of us, the first time we ever thought about probating a will is when someone in our family has died. So, what does it mean to probate a will?
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401(k), Administrator, Assets, Beneficiary Designation, Court, Estate Planning Attorney, Executor, Intestate, Life Insurance, Living Trust, Non-Probate, Probate, Testate, Wills
Can You believe Aging Parents Grow Stubborn and They Know It?

Can You believe Aging Parents Grow Stubborn and They Know It?

Robert P. Bergman / February 16, 2021
Aging parents grow stubborn, and researchers are uncovering the reasons why.
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Alzheimer’s Disease, Caregiving, Dementia, Elder Care, Elder Law Attorney
Will I Live Longer, if I Babysit the Grandchildren?

Will I Live Longer, if I Babysit the Grandchildren?

Robert P. Bergman / August 10, 2020
Looking for an extra incentive to spend some quality time with your grandchildren? Try telling their parents that it could extend your life.
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Here’s Why You Need an Estate Plan

Here’s Why You Need an Estate Plan

Robert P. Bergman / April 11, 2020
No matter what line of work you are in, estate planning has facets that apply to everyone, and it comes down to documenting wishes and avoiding probate and unnecessary taxes. Too many people put it off, but, in general, the sooner you do it, the better.
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Asset Protection, Capacity, Capital Gains Tax, Conservatorship, Estate Planning Lawyer, Guardianship, Inheritance, Power of Attorney, Probate Court, Revocable Living Trust, Trustee, Wills

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