California's New $750K Probate Shortcut: Does Your Family Still Need a Trust in 2026?

by Shihlan Chen | Feb 11, 2026 | Blog Designer

There's been some buzz in California estate planning circles lately. As of April 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2016 officially raised the bar for a "simplified" probate process. Families with primary residences valued at $750,000 or less can now use a...

Frozen Assets, Frozen Grief: How to Prevent Your Family From Being Locked Out of Your Money

by Shihlan Chen | Feb 9, 2026 | Blog Designer

Imagine this: Your spouse just passed away unexpectedly. You're drowning in grief, barely able to think straight. And then you go to the bank to pay the mortgage, and the teller says those five terrifying words: "I'm sorry, the account is frozen."...

Living in Two Worlds: Why International Families Need a Different Kind of Estate Plan

by Shihlan Chen | Feb 5, 2026 | Blog Designer

You have family in both California and Taiwan. Maybe you own a home here, plus property or accounts abroad. That’s a wonderful life—but it also means your estate plan needs to work in more than one place. Here’s the big idea: a “standard California plan” may not cover...

2026 Tax Law Changes: What Families Need to Know About Deductions, Charitable Giving, and Child Care Credits

by Shihlan Chen | Nov 14, 2025 | Blog Designer

Big changes are coming to your family's tax situation in 2026! The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is reshaping how we handle deductions, charitable giving, and child-related credits. While tax changes can feel overwhelming, these updates actually create some...

Buffett’s Farewell Letter: Fast Estate Planning Tips for San Jose Families

by Shihlan Chen | Nov 14, 2025 | Blog Designer

Warren Buffett’s 2024 farewell letter isn’t just for investors—it’s a playbook for legacy. Here’s the short, skimmable version for busy, bilingual San Jose families. Legacy First: Values > Valuables What do you want your kids to remember—your net worth or your...