Live Oak Estate Planning

10/14/2026

Are Your Stepchildren Included in Your Estate Plan?

Being a stepparent doesn't automatically give you the same legal rights as a biological or adoptive parent.

If something unexpected happens, you may not have the authority to make certain medical decisions or become your stepchild's guardian.

Estate planning helps blended families address these concerns before an emergency happens.

At Live Oak Estate Planning, we help families create plans that reflect their relationships and protect the people who matter most.

Contact us to learn more about estate planning for blended families.
https://liveoakestateplanning.com/

10/12/2026

Does your debt disappear when you die?

Not necessarily.

When someone passes away, outstanding debts are generally paid from their estate before assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

The good news is that family members usually aren't personally responsible for those debts simply because they're related to the person who died.

But there are exceptions, including co-signed loans, certain joint debts, and California's community property rules.

Credit cards, mortgages, and medical bills can also be handled differently.

Understanding what happens to your debt is an important part of estate planning.

At Live Oak Estate Planning, we help families prepare for these decisions so their loved ones have a clearer path forward.

10/08/2026

There’s still time to join us on October 15 for “Five Days That Changed Everything.”

In the spirit of Halloween, estate planning attorney Sati McLafferty will walk through what can happen when there’s no estate plan in place and the steps you can take now to help your family avoid those situations.

If estate planning has been sitting on your someday list, come spend an hour with us. Bring your questions and learn where to start.

October 15 | 10–11 AM
Live Oak Estate Planning
415 W. Foothill Blvd., Suite 134
Claremont, CA 91711

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register. Questions? Email [email protected].

10/05/2026

October is National Special Needs Law Month.

When you’re planning for a loved one with special needs, good intentions are only part of the picture. A direct inheritance can sometimes affect eligibility for benefits like SSI, Medicaid, and housing assistance.

The right estate plan can help you provide for someone you love while also protecting access to important benefits.

Thoughtful planning now can help create more security and support for the future.

10/04/2026

When was the last time you checked the beneficiary on your life insurance policy?

You may have chosen someone years ago, before a marriage, a new baby, or another family change. Take a moment to review who is listed and write down any questions about how that choice fits with your estate plan.

At Live Oak Estate Planning in Claremont, we help you think through the details with your family in mind. Schedule a discovery call to get started. (909) 206-2892

10/02/2026

City Manager Adam Pirrie publishes a weekly newsletter with news and information from the City and community.

In this week's issue:
•Special Needs & Inclusion Program Fall Ball
•CHS Homecoming Parade
•Building Bridges Across Differences Workshop
•Pumpkin Carving & Decorating – 10/22

Click the link below for the October 1 edition of the City Manager’s Weekly Update:
https://lnks.gd/3/3bTX3Lb

10/02/2026

What happens when there’s no estate plan in place?

Sometimes, a lot more than people expect.

Join Live Oak Estate Planning for Five Days That Changed Everything, a special Halloween-themed estate planning event where attorney Sati McLafferty will share real-life “horror stories” of what can happen when families don’t have a plan in place.
We’ll talk about what went wrong, what families can learn from it, and simple steps you can take now to help protect the people you care about.

October 15 | 10:00–11:00 AM

415 W. Foothill Blvd., Suite 134, Claremont, CA 91711

Scan the QR code on the flyer to join us.
Estate planning doesn’t have to be scary. Not having a plan can be.

10/01/2026

October is National Special Needs Law Month.

Special needs planning is about more than money. It can help protect benefits, support long-term care, and create a plan that gives your loved one more stability for the future.

A good plan may include a Special Needs Trust, but it can also cover housing, care, public benefits, and decision-making support.

Planning early can make a big difference.
We’ll be sharing more throughout October about what families should know.

09/21/2026

Friends look out for each other. Sometimes that means starting a conversation neither of you has been eager to have.

If someone you care about keeps putting off their estate plan, you do not need a perfect speech. One thoughtful question or shared resource may be enough to help them take the first step.

Our latest article explains how to bring up estate planning without making the conversation awkward, morbid, or pushy.

Read it here:

Learn how to talk to friends and loved ones about estate planning without making the conversation uncomfortable or overly personal.

09/11/2026

Your Power of Attorney does not continue after you die.

Without the right plan, bank accounts may be frozen and loved ones may have to go through probate before they can manage money, property, or important bills.

That can mean:

• Court filings and fees
• Months of waiting
• Family disagreements
• More stress during grief

Planning ahead can give your family clearer instructions, faster access, and trusted support when they need it most.

Visit liveoakestateplanning.com to learn more.