Preparing your Family for a Decline in Capacity

Incapacity, whether physical or mental, can happen at any point in life, and cognitive decline becomes more common with age. This webinar is for anyone who is curious about how to plan ahead, document one's wishes, and lessen the burden of care for loved ones. Estate planning options are equipped to handle complex "grey areas" when family members experience cognitive decline but can still manage some of their affairs. Estate attorney Rachel Dodson, co-founder of estate planning firm Ayoub & Dodson, discusses situations to avoid and how to get documents related to health, finances, and legal plans in order before an accident or aging compromises capacity.

Presenter: Rachel Dodson, Esq., Ayoub & Dodson
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Estate Planning Basics & Beyond - Avoiding Litigation and Family Conflict

Estate litigation is more common than you expect – you can avoid it and reduce the risk of family conflict if you choose the right successor trustee. Sometimes the person you love is not the right person for the job. Our speakers identify the eye-opening questions you need to consider and the "red flags" that prompt attorneys to recommend independent fiduciaries to their clients. Zakiya Norton, Esq., Founding Principal Attorney of Norton Basu LLP, reviews the basic documents you need and discuss the issues surrounding trustee selection. Then Alan Statman and Anne Marshall, attorneys with the independent fiduciary firm Trust Matters, share tips on avoiding family conflict and stories from their years of experience helping clients set up, manage, and administer many kinds of trusts.

Presenters: Zakiya Norton, Esq., Norton Basu LLP; and Alan Statman and Anne Marshall, Trust Matters, Independent Fiduciary Services
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Looking Ahead - Create Your Legacy

A legacy is what you leave behind – and that involves thinking ahead now. This webinar covered financial planning for the future and the legal documents you need to protect your plan. Ernest Holguin, CFP, Managing Director, Presidio Group Wealth Management, shared basic retirement and accumulation concepts and tax strategies related to charitable giving. Albert Wu, Esq., Sr. Associate Attorney at Summerall Law, shared insights for preparing your will and other essential documents to protect your legacy, ensure your wishes are carried out efficiently, and avoid probate court.

Presenters: Ernest Holguin, CFP^®, Managing Director, Presidio Group Wealth Management; and Albert Wu, Esq., Estate Planning Sr. Associate Attorney, Summerall Law
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Issues & Options in Estate & Retirement Planning

Learn about current laws, long-term care and aging issues, and tips for meeting your estate and tax planning goals in this one-hour webinar. Samuel Merritt University alumna Julie M. Fiedler, '82, an estate planning attorney and registered nurse, discusses essential estate planning documents and the strategies you can utilize as you plan for your financial future, retirement, and giving to loved ones and charities through your estate. Cynthia Wilkinson, CPA, reveals the tax implications of current laws and shares useful strategies related to retirement planning and appreciated assets.

Presenters: Julie M. Fiedler, RN, JD, LLM Elder Law; and Cynthia A. Wilkinson, CPA, MS Taxation
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Immersion Learning at the Sim Center & SMU Estate Planning Seminar

A well-constructed estate plan will help you avoid probate and leave a legacy that fully reflects your values. Learn about protecting your assets, tax-saving strategies, how a will and trust work together, and steps you can take to be prepared as you age. This seminar took place at the Claremont Country Club in Oakland.

Presenters: SMU alumna Julie M. Fiedler, '82, RN, Attorney, Hoizon Elder Law and Estate Planning; and David Little, JD, Senior Wealth Strategist, Wells Fargo Bank.
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Estate Planning Myths & Opportunities

Your estate plan is an important way to take care of both your family and your assets for the future—but what's fact and what's fiction around estate planning? Attorney Madison Gunn offers tips to help you move forward with your planning, take advantage of opportunities, and avoid common mistakes. Topics will include who needs an estate plan, when to create one, and strategies to avoid probate.

Presenter: Madison Gunn, J.D., Attorney, Absolute Trust Counsel PC
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To learn more, contact Penny Peak, 510.879.3349, [email protected]