Blog Posts By Category

An LLC (limited liability company) can be an essential tool in your estate plan to protect your assets and avoid probate. This business structure can own many types of property, such as real estate, ...

Veterans Administration Pension Benefits are paid to veterans who were in military service during wartime and who have little or no income. Veterans who have serious disabilities may qualify for Aid ...

Definition of Slander Slander is a false and unprivileged publication, orally uttered, and also communications by radio or any mechanical or other means that (1) charges any person with crime, or with ...

The California Department of Public Health has announced that beginning March 15, those with serious health conditions between the ages of 16 and 64 can be vaccinated. These conditions include: Cancer ...

Protecting your family is important, especially when you have minor children, and even more so now that we are living through a pandemic. With all of the unknowns of our current situation, you need ...

After months of near confinement in our homes, many of us are stir-crazy and eager to travel to a vacation destination. Although more states are opening up, there are several precautions to consider ...

Although it can be an uncomfortable topic, the possibility of becoming incapacitated is often overlooked in drafting revocable living trusts. Placing your money and property in a living trust can ...

After many years of hard work, it's finally time to retire and focus on your next phase of life. But before you begin this next chapter, you need to make sure that you have fully thought through this ...

While we all want to believe that our family and loved ones will honor our wishes expressed in our estate plan, contests are more common than you might think. Maybe a family member doesn't receive ...

Joint trusts are beneficial for many married couples, especially if they have a stable relationship, do not have many creditors, and do not live in a state where their estate may be subject to a state ...

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, many see it as the start of summer and an opportunity to partake in outdoor activities, such as hosting a backyard barbecue with friends and family. While such ...

Approximately 20% of adults in the United States experience a mental illness annually, with anxiety disorders being one of the most prevalent mental health conditions. In fact, nearly one-third of ...

Some aspects of estate planning could be uncomfortable, including deciding what will happen to your child if you and their other legal parent die unexpectedly. The odds of this happening are low, but ...

Acting as the guardian of a minor is one of the most important roles a person ever fulfills. Along with taking on that responsibility, you may be trying to navigate stressful and emotionally-charged ...

On March 10 th , Ivette Santaella was a guest on “Your Legal Rights” podcast with host and Bay Area attorney Jeff Hayden. For more than 30 years, “Your Legal Rights” has provided KALW listeners with ...

Managing Attorney Ivette Santaella joined Lawyer Business Advantage to discuss how she utilizes her passion for law to power the success of her marketing and business development efforts. Click here ...

If you’d like to make sure that your loved one with a disability or special need is financially supported when you’re gone, you should consider creating a special needs trust. This is because, ...

There is great news for clients with certain family members or other beneficiaries – this year brought with it a huge change in the law that benefits beneficiaries who are disabled or chronically ill. ...

When your child is under the age of 18, you, as their parent, can make most, if not all decisions, on their behalf. However, when your child turns 18, the law views them as an adult, and you no longer ...

When it comes to federal taxes, most people are very aware of the federal income tax because, if they earn a paycheck, they cannot help but notice the deductions each pay period. But there are ...

Cryptocurrency’s popularity has exploded recently, but many people don’t know how it impacts their estate plan. Here are the most important things you need to know. Know the tax consequences Did you ...

While you may think taxes on monetary gifts to your loved ones is a given, we’re here to tell you that doesn’t always have to be the case. There are actually a few circumstances in which you can ...

Veterans Administration Pension Benefits are paid to veterans who were in military service during wartime and who have little or no income. Veterans who have serious disabilities may qualify for Aid ...