Bethel Law Blog

Explore expert tips and legal insights on California estate planning, trusts, and probate law.

Andrew Bethel Andrew Bethel

California's Mansion Tax: What Property Owners Need to Know

Attorney Andrew Bethel explores California's new mansion tax, which imposes additional transfer taxes on high-end real estate transactions. Discover how this impacts property owners, real estate agents, and the broader market. Learn about the Taxpayer Protection Act, which could affect the mansion tax's future, and get advice on navigating California's complex tax landscape.

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Andrew Bethel Andrew Bethel

IRS Waives 2024 RMDs for Inherited IRAs: What You Need to Know

IRS Notice 2024-35 offers relief from Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for inherited IRAs in 2024, providing a temporary reprieve from the SECURE Act's 10-year rule. Learn how this affects estate planning and discover strategic approaches for managing personal and inherited IRA distributions to minimize your tax burden.

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Andrew Bethel Andrew Bethel

California Property Tax Laws: Key Questions Answered

Attorney Andrew Bethel from Bethel Law answers common questions about California's property tax laws, Proposition 19, and property transfers. Learn about the impact of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), joint tenancy, and sibling-to-sibling transfers on property reassessments. Get practical advice on minimizing capital gains taxes and understanding tax benefits for disabled veterans.

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Andrew Bethel Andrew Bethel

New California Ruling on Blended Families and Inheritance: Lessons from the Martino Estate

Dive into the intricacies of heirship in blended families through the lens of the Martino Estate case with Bethel Law. This article examines how California law accommodates familial relationships beyond biological ties in determining heirship, offering vital lessons for estate planning in blended families. Gain insights into the importance of clarity in estate documents and the legal recognition of emotional and relational bonds in defining family structures.

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Andrew Bethel Andrew Bethel

The Silent Verdict: Supreme Court's Stance on Rent Control

Delve into the Supreme Court's decision not to hear a case challenging New York City's rent control laws and its implications for property rights and rent control policies nationwide. Bethel Law offers an authoritative exploration of this pivotal legal development and its potential impact on states like California.

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Andrew Bethel Andrew Bethel

The Essential Guide to Trust Administration After Death

Discover the key aspects of trust administration after death in this authoritative guide. Attorney Andrew Bethel of Bethel Law delves into the complexities of managing a trust, highlighting the importance of timely notifications, asset management, and beneficiary relations. Learn about the legal requirements, the process of securing assets, and the duties of a successor trustee. This article provides a detailed overview, ensuring a thorough understanding of the trust administration process.

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Andrew Bethel Andrew Bethel

Estate Planning in Blended Families: What Happens When There's No Will?

Explore the complexities of probate law and property rights in blended marriages with a focus on California's Probate Code Section 6401. This article provides a detailed analysis of how assets are distributed among surviving spouses and children in the absence of a will, highlighting the importance of proactive estate planning.

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