Services
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Estate Planning and Tax-Related Issues
Effective estate planning and administration demands not only careful attention to your personal and financial goals but also a clear understanding of how estate, gift, income, and property tax laws intersect with those goals. Although complex tax matters are often best handled by a Certified Public Accountant, your estate planning attorney must be equipped to…
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Trust Administration
When someone passes away or becomes incapacitated under a living trust, the person designated as successor trustee must take on the responsibility of settling the trust. This role requires the trustee to manage and distribute the trust assets in accordance with the trust’s instructions and in compliance with all governing laws. To do this effectively…
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Probate Administration
Probate is the formal, court-directed process used to settle the financial and legal matters of someone who has passed away. In California, a probate proceeding becomes necessary when a person dies owning more than $184,500 in assets titled solely in their name. Generally, the procedure unfolds in three main phases. The court first appoints a…
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Conservatorships
While California recognizes several forms of conservatorships, each requires a court process in which a judge appoints someone to manage the personal or financial affairs of an individual who is no longer able to do so independently. Establishing a conservatorship can be time-consuming and complicated, and the obligations placed on a conservator can feel daunting…
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Guardianships
A guardianship is a court-supervised process in which a judge appoints someone to take responsibility for the care of a minor, to manage a minor’s property or, in some cases, both. When a guardianship of the person is established, the appointed guardian assumes the same caregiving duties and decision-making authority that a parent would have…
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Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust is a planning tool designed to support individuals with disabilities who rely on government benefit programs. When structured correctly, it helps enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life and independence by providing supplemental resources while preserving their eligibility for public assistance. Through careful drafting, the trust’s assets can be used to meet…
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Elder Law
Elder law is a specialized legal field focused on protecting the rights, interests, and well-being of older adults. It covers a broad spectrum of issues that commonly arise with aging, such as securing appropriate healthcare and public benefits, addressing concerns about financial exploitation or elder abuse, planning for cognitive decline or disability, and navigating conservatorship…
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Trust Funding
A trust is only effective when it holds assets, which means those assets must be properly transferred into the trust, commonly referred to as funding the trust. Ensuring that a revocable living trust is fully funded is essential; assets left outside the trust may still be subject to probate or may require additional court involvement…
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Tax Planning
Effective estate planning and administration demands a thorough understanding of both federal and state laws governing estate, gift, income, and property taxes. At McCann Ellis Law, we collaborate closely with our clients to develop and implement comprehensive estate and business planning strategies that align with their goals while seeking to reduce tax exposure wherever possible…
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Business Planning and Administration
At McCann Ellis Law, we guide clients through the proper formation, structuring, and ongoing management of business entities, as well as long-term succession planning. Choosing the right type of entity is a critical first step, requiring thoughtful evaluation of liability concerns, tax implications, and operational needs. After selecting an entity, the business must complete and…