Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

10/09/2026

Inheritance tax law changes may affect pension pots. Learn how estate planning can help protect retirement assets.

Read more in LPEP's blog below:

Inheritance tax law changes may affect pension pots. Learn how estate planning can help protect retirement assets.

10/08/2026

If you don't have a will, you're not alone. More than half of American adults don't have one. Most people think that estate planning is just for the wealthy or elderly. The truth is that estate planning is for anyone who wants a say in what happens to their finances, and even their care if something unexpected happens. Don't leave these decisions to the courts. A simple plan can spare your loved ones confusion and conflict down the road.

Read more in Real Simple's article below:

If you don't have a will and other estate planning documents, you could be setting up your loved ones for a lot of stress—and a huge legal bill—as they try to advocate for you with health care, manage your finances, and make sure that your assets are divided as you wish. Learn why wills are so i...

10/07/2026

A prenuptial agreement isn't just about protecting assets–it can also protect the spouse who puts a career on hold to care for the family.

A recent Wall Street Journal article explores how modern prenups are increasingly being used to address the financial realities faced by stay-at-home parents. From setting expectations for spousal support to recognizing career sacrifices, a thoughtfully drafted prenup can help both spouses feel more secure about the future.

Read more in The Wall Street Journal's article below:

Stay-at-home parents face a nightmare scenario in divorce. More are trying to avoid it.

10/06/2026

Volatile markets present challenges when you're planning for your future. However, those same downturns can also be opportunities when it comes to estate planning.

Read more in Kiplinger's article below:

Learn how GRATs, Roth conversions and gifting let you take advantage of market volatility to transfer wealth to heirs tax-free.

10/05/2026

Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri is proud to be a Diamond Sponsor of the 2026 Santa Clara County Bar Association Judges' Night Cocktail Reception and Awards Ceremony. We look forward to joining our colleagues in honoring the judges of Santa Clara County and their dedication to our legal community.

📅 Thursday, November 5, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Delta Hotels by Marriott – Silicon Valley, Santa Clara

09/30/2026

Learn how to choose the right executor for your estate. Key traits, avoid conflicts, ensure smooth asset distribution.

Read more in LPEP's blog below:

Learn how to choose the right executor for your estate. Key traits, avoid conflicts, ensure smooth asset distribution.

09/29/2026

Divorce can have lasting emotional and financial effects - not only on spouses, but on their children as well.

A recent Wall Street Journal article explores how adult children of divorce often face unique financial and caregiving challenges, from helping aging parents separately to navigating inheritances, housing decisions, and family obligations across multiple households.

While every family situation is different, the article serves as a reminder that the decisions made during divorce can have ripple effects for years to come.

Read more in The Wall Street Journal's article below:

As a child, Olivia Kelly came to understand personal finances through the prism of her mother’s divorce. She took those lessons into her adult life.

09/28/2026

Divorce can bring complicated details and difficult decisions, making strong communication and careful attention especially important. In this review, a client shares how Gina Policastri’s attention to detail, communication, and commitment to protecting their interests helped guide them through a stressful time.

“Gina did an outstanding job representing me during my divorce. Her attention to detail and excellent communication skills were a real asset to my case. I felt she was always there for me, making sure my interests were protected. She is able to think outside the box and bring discrepancies to light quickly, which is important when you're dealing with myriad details during a very stressful time in your life.” — Anonymous

Disclaimer: this testimonial does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

09/28/2026

When creating a will, people make the mistake of assuming that every detail about their wishes should be included. However, including certain things, such as life insurance policies and retirement accounts, can actually create confusion. And leaving money directly to someone with special needs could jeopardize their government benefits.

A well-drafted estate plan often includes more than just a will. There are several planning tools that offer a more effective way to carry out your wishes.

Read more in Kiplinger's article below:

If you're unclear about the 10 things you should leave out of your will when drafting your estate plan, check out what legal experts have to say.

09/25/2026

Retirement can bring more than financial changes - it can also reshape your relationship in unexpected ways. From shifting routines to redefining roles at home, couples face new challenges once the daily structure of work disappears.

Planning for retirement means preparing socially and emotionally, not just financially.

Read more in Huffpost's article below:

For some couples, this extra time strengthens their bond; for others, it can reveal that they don’t really know — or even like — the person they married.