Which Homeowner Estate Planning Steps Should I Take? Buying a home marks a major life milestone. Whether you purchased your first home, upgraded for a growing family, or downsized into something that better fits your current lifestyle, homeownership changes your financial picture in important ways. A home often becomes one of your largest assets, which […]
Author Archives: Skvarna Law
01
May
May
With Graduation Season and the Next Chapter, Here is How to Plan for Your Family’s Education Across Glendora, Upland, and throughout Southern California, graduation season marks a major milestone. Caps and gowns, ceremonies, and celebrations all point toward what comes next—college, trade school, or other postsecondary paths. While families focus on applications, housing, and tuition payments, one critical […]
24
Apr
Apr
When someone says, “We need to talk,” most people don’t picture a relaxed, productive conversation. Instead, they expect tension, difficult topics, and maybe even conflict. However, in estate planning, that exact conversation often prevents the very problems families hope to avoid. One way is by calling a family meeting. A well-structured family meeting allows you […]
17
Apr
Apr
Why Create a Death Box? Not the name of a horror film streaming on Netflix, Death Box is a term you should be familiar with. Whether it is a physical binder, a dedicated drawer, or a secure digital file, a death box holds the essential documents and instructions needed to carry out your final wishes. […]
10
Apr
Apr
How Do You Prepare Your Family for Inheritance Without Creating Entitlement? Many families focus on how to pass down wealth. Fewer focus on how to prepare heirs to receive it. That gap creates one of the biggest risks in estate planning. So here’s the real question: How do you raise responsible stewards of inheritance instead […]
03
Apr
Apr
Yes—and overlooking this detail can create serious problems for your estate plan. Many families assume marriage automatically allows assets to transfer freely between spouses. That assumption holds true in many cases, but citizenship status changes the rules significantly under federal and California law. If one spouse does not hold U.S. citizenship, your estate plan requires […]
27
Mar
Mar
What Ancillary Probate Means for Property Owners in Upland and Glendora Owning property in more than one state creates opportunity during life—but it can create complications after death if your estate plan doesn’t account for it properly. One of the most overlooked issues we address involves ancillary probate, a process that can add time, cost, and […]
20
Mar
Mar
The Hidden Gender Gap in Estate Planning—and How to Close It Conversations about financial inequality often focus on the gender gap. A less visible—but equally important—issue continues to affect long-term financial security: the estate planning gap. Fewer than one-quarter of Americans maintain even a basic will. Within that already low percentage, men complete estate planning […]
13
Mar
Mar
Celebrate Your Life Your Way: Estate Planning for Funerals and Memorials Most people remember the first time they attended a funeral. For many, that moment comes during childhood after the loss of a grandparent, relative, or family friend. That experience often leaves a lasting impression. The tone of the service, the traditions involved, and the […]
05
Mar
Mar
How you title your real estate carries significant legal consequences. Ownership structure determines who controls the property, how vulnerable it remains to creditors, and how the property transfers after death. Many people assume their estate plan alone controls what happens to their home or investment property. In reality, the title on the deed often dictates […]