Humphrey Berger & Associates

Humphrey Berger & Associates HBA brings litigation experience with proven results, along with trusted counsel in trust and will planning and probate matters.

How much can you inherit without paying taxes?It depends on a few factors—but here’s the big picture:As of 2026, the fed...
08/06/2026

How much can you inherit without paying taxes?

It depends on a few factors—but here’s the big picture:
As of 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is up to $15 million per individual (or $30 million for married couples).

That means most estates won’t owe federal estate tax—but planning still matters.
Why? Because:
• State laws can vary
• Certain assets are taxed differently
• And without the right strategy, you could miss opportunities to protect more of your legacy

Estate planning isn’t just about how much you pass on—it’s about how efficiently and intentionally you do it.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

What’s the biggest retirement regret?It’s not just about money—it’s about planning ahead.Many retirees look back and wis...
06/30/2026

What’s the biggest retirement regret?
It’s not just about money—it’s about planning ahead.

Many retirees look back and wish they had:
• Started planning earlier
• Sought professional guidance
• Better understood their long-term needs
• Prioritized their health
• And yes… taken the time to put an estate plan in place

Retirement should feel like freedom—not uncertainty.
The good news? These regrets are avoidable with the right plan and the right conversations.

Because planning for retirement isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about protecting your lifestyle, your choices, and your legacy.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

What’s the best way to leave your home to your children?There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are smart strategi...
06/08/2026

What’s the best way to leave your home to your children?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are smart strategies that can make the process much smoother for your family.

In many cases, using a revocable living trust or a transfer-on-death deed (TODD) allows you to pass your home to your children without going through probate—saving time, cost, and unnecessary stress.

These options also allow you to:
✔️ Maintain full control of your property during your lifetime
✔️ Ensure a smooth, private transfer after you pass
✔️ Potentially preserve important tax benefits, like a stepped-up basis

The right approach depends on your goals, your family, and your overall estate plan.
Because when it comes to your home—it’s not just an asset. It’s part of your legacy.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

What is the “5 by 5” rule in estate planning?It may sound technical, but it’s actually a smart way to build flexibility ...
05/04/2026

What is the “5 by 5” rule in estate planning?

It may sound technical, but it’s actually a smart way to build flexibility into a trust.
The 5 by 5 rule allows a beneficiary to withdraw up to $5,000 or 5% of the trust’s value each year—whichever is greater.

Why does this matter?
It gives beneficiaries access to funds when needed, while still protecting the overall structure and intent of the trust.

In other words, it’s a thoughtful balance between access and protection—helping preserve assets while still providing support.

Estate planning isn’t just about control—it’s about creating plans that actually work in real life.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

What NOT to put in your willYou might think your will is the place to outline your funeral wishes… but it’s actually not...
04/23/2026

What NOT to put in your will

You might think your will is the place to outline your funeral wishes… but it’s actually not the best place for it.

Here’s why:
By the time your will is read, your funeral has likely already happened.

And even more surprising—funeral instructions in a will aren’t legally binding. The executor ultimately has the authority to make those decisions.
The better approach?

Have those conversations in advance and document your wishes in a way your loved ones can easily access when the time comes.

Estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about making things easier for the people you care about.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

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Woodland Hills, CA
91367

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