OC Wills & Trust Attorneys

OC Wills & Trust Attorneys Professional legal estate planning services including Living Trusts, Wills, Power of Attorneys, Health Care Directives, and Long Term Care.

Estate Planning - Elder Law - Asset Protection - Veterans Benefits

We help families make sure their loved ones and assets are protected in case something tragic happens by preparing living trusts, wills, power of attorneys, healthcare directives and special needs trusts

09/03/2026

Can Adding A Child To Title Backfire?

Adding a child to a property title to avoid probate can unintentionally give that child ownership rights that operate outside the parents’ broader estate plan.

Joint tenancy may cause the property to pass directly to the surviving child instead of being divided among beneficiaries as intended.

Continue the conversation below
https://bio.link/brianchew

09/03/2026

Can Lifetime Gifts Lose A Tax Benefit?

Assets gifted during a parent’s lifetime generally carry over the parent’s original tax basis to the child.

Unlike inherited assets that may receive a step up in basis, gifted property can leave children responsible for the capital gains that accumulated before the transfer.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

Estate planning isn't just for U.S. citizens—it can be just as important for non-U.S. citizens living in or owning prope...
09/02/2026

Estate planning isn't just for U.S. citizens—it can be just as important for non-U.S. citizens living in or owning property in California. While wills and trusts remain valuable tools, international assets and federal tax rules often require a more tailored strategy. Learn how to protect overseas beneficiaries, understand potential estate tax implications, and explore planning options like Qualified Domestic Trusts (QDOTs).

Scan or visit the link to discover the key steps to securing your legacy with confidence.
https://ocwillsandtrusts.com/how-does-california-law-address-estate-planning-for-non-u-s-citizens/

09/02/2026

Can Joint Tenancy Override An Estate Plan?

Adding a child to property title to avoid probate can unintentionally change how the property passes after a parent dies.

Joint tenancy may transfer the property directly to that child, potentially overriding instructions in a will or trust that were intended to divide assets equally.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

We’re always grateful for the opportunity to guide our clients through the estate planning process. Our legal team at OC...
09/02/2026

We’re always grateful for the opportunity to guide our clients through the estate planning process. Our legal team at OC Wills and Trust Attorneys takes the time to understand each client’s goals and wishes so we can help them create a custom tailored estate plan that fits their individual needs. We're honored and grateful for the the trust and support we receive from all our clients!

A parent may intend to treat every child equally, yet one lifetime gift can completely change that outcome. Brian Chew e...
09/02/2026

A parent may intend to treat every child equally, yet one lifetime gift can completely change that outcome. Brian Chew explains why gifts made outside a trust or will should still be considered in the overall estate plan.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

A gift may look simple until property taxes are reassessed at current market value. Brian Chew explains how transferring...
09/01/2026

A gift may look simple until property taxes are reassessed at current market value. Brian Chew explains how transferring California real estate can sometimes increase taxes by tens of thousands of dollars.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

09/01/2026

Why Does A Step Up In Basis Matter?

When appreciated assets are inherited, heirs may receive a new tax basis based on the asset’s value at the owner’s death.

This can significantly reduce built in capital gains, and community property rules may provide an especially valuable basis adjustment for certain surviving spouses.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

08/31/2026

Why Are Two Property Tax Bases Important?

California property owners can have separate property tax and income tax bases, and each serves a different purpose.

A higher income tax basis can reduce taxable gains when property is sold, while a lower property tax basis can help keep ongoing property taxes lower.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

08/31/2026

How Does A Step Up In Basis Work?

Inherited appreciated assets may receive a step up in basis to their fair market value at the owner's death.

This can eliminate previously accumulated capital gains, potentially allowing heirs to sell the asset soon after inheritance with little or no capital gains tax.

Continue the conversation below
https://bio.link/brianchew

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49 Discovery, Ste 280
Irvine, CA
92618

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

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