For heterosexual couples, marital presumption of parentage in California is relatively simple: The law assumes that the spouse of a biological mother is also a child's parent. However, the legal application of such laws can be unclear for same-sex couples. If you're...
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San Francisco Estate And Family Law Blog
Why are SLATs gaining popularity as estate planning tools?
As many California residents experienced a significant drop in income in 2020 along with the uncertainty over estate tax rates in the coming years, some have begun to look for additional ways to protect their current wealth. While some may think that setting up a...
Can I Lose Copyright To My Artistic Creations In California Divorce?
California is what is known as a community property state. This means that family law judges are generally required to divide marital property equally in divorce cases even if doing so would not lead to an equitable outcome. This may seem particularly unfair when...
New bill protects California domestic violence victims
Victims of domestic violence in California may be worried about going to court to manage child custody matters, but a new law may make this process easier. Domestic abusers have been known to threaten their victims with potentially losing their children. Sometimes,...
About to go through a divorce? Protect your finances
Although a divorce can be emotionally devastating, the fact is that you need to start thinking about yourself ASAP. This is because you only have a small window in California to create protection around your financial and personal interests. The following includes a...
Steps to take when tax laws change
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made several changes to the federal tax code that are scheduled to remain in effect until at least 2025. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to review your estate plan whenever tax laws are altered. Take a look at some steps that...
Voters to weigh in on California Proposition 15
Property taxes in California are strictly capped at 1% of a property’s assessed value and can increase by no more than 2% each year. These rules were put into place in 1978 when voters in the Golden State approved Proposition 13. This greatly limits the amount of...
Impact of divorce on your business in California
Today, an average of one in two marriages is ending in divorce. Thus, the distribution of assets during a split is becoming more challenging and stressful. Once a business is involved, the process gets even more complicated. Whether you are a shareholder, a board...
Why prenuptial agreements can help
In the past, those who wanted prenuptial agreements were viewed as pessimists who counted on the marriage failing. Now, these agreements are gaining in popularity in California and around the country. Experts now advise people that prenuptial contracts are suitable...
Long-term considerations for business owners
California business owners often have a tough time keeping afloat, especially in expensive cities like San Francisco. While owners may know what to do if their revenue drops, few think about addressing long-term success that outlives them. Creating an estate plan is a...
