Online resource center to help you explore these key issues, and others, regarding your estate.
Mr. Miller has many years of experience in designing and implementing a comprehensive variety of Trusts, Wills, and other estate planning documents, as well as settling estates in the most expedient and appropriate method. Further, he counsels and assists clients on becoming eligible for VA benefits and Medi-Cal.
Learn moreMr. Miller has been active in the area of VA Pension and Medi-Cal for well over a decade. He uses various specialized types of Trusts as well as non-trust strategies to gain eligibility for his clients and save the family money.
Learn moreMr. Miller has been settling estates (both simple and complex) for well over 40 years. The starting point is always to create a strategy to settle the estate in the most efficient manner possible with a minimum of taxes. Often times the strategy created allows the family to bypass Probate Court proceedings.
Learn moreIntroduction Definitions Substitution Clause Conservatorship Health Care Surrogate Care Manager Mediation Dear Mr. Miller: Introduction: I’ve been thinking. My Dad named my sister as his power of attorney both for financial and medical. He did not name me, or anyone as a backup. He really didn’t give a reason, just said that was what he … Read more
Introduction A-B Trusts Explained Death Tax Goal Portability of Exemption A-B Trust Capital Gain Problem County Property Tax Double the Parent-Child Exclusion Conclusion Dear Mr. Miller: Introduction: I hope you can help. My husband and I have some large real estate holdings in the central valley of California. We want to pass them on to … Read more
Why Powers of Attorney Need to be Reviewed and Updated…. Why is it so important to have a Power of Attorney for Finances? Consider the following story: Bill, a widower, and his son Tom, were in Jack’s office (their attorney) last year. Bill had a house with a potential capital gain of $250,000 (difference between … Read more
A-B Trusts: Don’t Give Away the Capital Gains Step Up! Introduction A-B Trusts Explained Advantages Necessity of Periodic Review Capital Gain Explained Step Up for Decedent’s Trust Methods to Terminate Decedent’s Trust Avoiding Capital Gain on Decedent’s Trust after Death Conclusion Dear Mr. Miller: Introduction: I am a widower. My spouse died several years ago. … Read more
Introduction Qualities of the Ideal Successor Trustee You Never Know Ultimately Who Will Be the Beneficiary Duties With Income and Expenses Duties with Distribution Options for Selecting Successor Trustees Who Can Help You Decide The One Decision Method Not to Use Dear Mr. Miller: Introduction: I am about to revamp my Living Trust. When it … Read more
Introduction Some Benefits of VA Irrevocable Trusts Powers of Appointment All Beneficiaries and Creator Agree Court Order Trustee Draw Out Power Conclusion Dear Mr. Miller: My Mom created an Irrevocable Trust a few years ago so she could qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit. She transferred all of her money ($300,000) and house … Read more
In honor of the recent Halloween holiday, I thought I’d talk about the scariest part of it: the tricks. Elderly individuals, even with estate plans, are frequently the victim of financial abuse by caretakers, children, and living facilities. Even independent trustees and attorneys have been known to take advantage of their clients’ estates for all … Read more
Introduction The Asset List Timeshares The Child’s Debt The IRA’s Multiple Brokerage Accounts Life Insurance with No Dependents Selling Life Insurance Multiple Banks Title and Living Trusts Bottom Line Dear Mr. Miller: Introduction: My parents are getting older and I want to make sure that they are using their money wisely and investing it properly. … Read more
Lawyers Make Big Deals Out of Nothing So They Can Charge Huge Fees Introduction Lying How Medi-Cal Works What Are Attorneys Really Trying To Do Doing It Legally Medi-Cal Reimbursement Perjury Penalty Dear Mr. Miller: Introduction: I figured out how you guys work–just look at the case and tell the client if he doesn’t hire … Read more
Irrevocable Trust: Can It Be Amended? Introduction Assumptions Revocable Trusts Irrevocable Trusts Grantor Trusts Clauses that Allow Changes Powers of Appointment Conclusion Dear Mr. Miller: Introduction: I signed an Irrevocable Trust 10 years ago. I had been worried about Medi-Cal and the cost of long term care. I put my house in Riverside ($300,000) and … Read more
About Living Trusts is hosted by the Law Offices of Merwyn J. Miller, as your online resource center to help you explore these key issues, and others, regarding your estate.
Dear Mr. Miller: I’m in my 90s now. I’m proud to say that I am worth $4 million. I’ve had a Trust for years. I have two kids, ...
Dear Mr. Miller: My Mom is in a skilled nursing facility in California. Not only is her memory completely shot, she really has no idea which way is up...
Dear Mr. Miller: Last month you mentioned some problems that one can run into when creating a Living Trust or Will online or without an experienced at...
