Planning for Palo Alto and Los Altos families, across generations.
Many families we work with in Palo Alto and Los Altos have owned their homes for decades, or hold company stock that has grown far beyond what they paid. Both raise questions a simple will cannot answer.
A long-held home is often the largest asset
When a home has been owned for many years, its value can be many times its purchase price. Holding it in a properly funded living trust generally avoids formal probate, and planning ahead clarifies what happens to it: whether it is sold, kept or passed to one child.
We discuss how passing your home to your children may affect property taxes under Proposition 19, so the family understands the possible changes before decisions are made.
Stock that keeps growing
For founders, early employees and long-time investors, appreciated stock can push an estate toward the federal estate tax exemption. Strategies such as grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and lifetime gifting can move future growth to the next generation.
These strategies work best coordinated with your CPA and financial advisor. We can work alongside the advisors you already have.
Trusts written years ago
Many trusts here were signed when children were young or before property and accounts changed. A restatement brings the plan up to date in one clear document, without retitling assets already in the trust.
Zoom, or our San Jose office
Most consultations are by Zoom, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin. Signings take place at our San Jose office. Probate and trust court matters for Palo Alto & Los Altos residents are handled in Santa Clara County Superior Court.
San Jose
2055 Junction Avenue, Suite 210
San Jose, CA 95131
888.380.2288 · 415.693.8882
By appointment only · Mon–Fri, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Campbell, Milpitas, Morgan Hill.
Start with a conversation.
Meetings are by appointment, weekdays 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, by Zoom or at our offices. Call 888.380.2288 or 415.693.8882, or request a time online. Consultations in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.