Andrea Shoup

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, responsible for more than 44 percent of the country’s economic activity and two-thirds of all new jobs. Starting and growing a small business requires fortitude, flexibility, and good ideas about what your customers want and how to deliver it. Building a viable business requires a solid […]

There are potentially more new tax laws likely to affect Californians this year than Proposition 19, which we’ve covered extensively here in this blog and through a series of webinars. (Prop 19 went into effect on February 16, dramatically changing property tax rules in California around intrafamily transfers of real estate, what can be exempted […]

When it comes to estate planning, knowing what to do (and what not to do) is critical to your peace of mind and your family’s. The time of a loved one’s passing is a difficult and stressful for everyone. But a proper estate plan can help your family avoid time in court, maintain control of […]

As families gather for the holidays, it is traditional to offer gifts and celebrate the season together.  If you are trying to think of the perfect gift for your family this year, you might consider making an estate plan or taking other generous steps.  When you make a simple estate plan you ensure your family’s […]

When you make your estate plan, you want to assume that the heirs and beneficiaries of your will or trust will accept the terms.  After all, those are your final wishes for distribution of your assets, and they should be respected. However, not all heirs are interested in your wishes, and instead focus on whether […]

Pet lovers making an estate plan often ask how they can provide for the future care of their pet. This is a natural question since a pet can be an important life companion, especially as people get older. If you want to provide for your pet after you are gone, there are ways to handle […]

Married couples will usually make their estate plan together, especially if they hold most assets jointly and have the same goal to provide for their family’s future.  In that case, the surviving spouse would receive the majorityof assets as primary beneficiaryof a will or trust. This make sense especially if there are minor children to […]

Married couples will usually make their estate plan together, especially if they hold most assets jointly and have the same goal to provide for their family’s future. In that case, the surviving spouse would receive the majority of assets as primary beneficiary and act as an executor of a will or co-trustee of a trust. […]

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is the national privacy law that protects patient confidential information while under medical care and treatment. Typically, a patient’s medical records and information are kept strictly confidential, and any health provider that divulges that information to third parties without permission is subject to penalties. Specific HIPAA Waivers for […]