Choosing the right trustee is one of the most critical decisions when establishing a trust. The trustee ensures the grantor’s wishes are fulfilled and safeguards the beneficiary’s interests. For those creating a trust as part of their estate plan, understanding the trustee’s role and responsibilities empowers informed decision-making, helping to ensure that your wishes and intent are carried out. What Does It Mean to Be a Trustee? A trustee is […]
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April 18, 2025 (PASADENA, CA) – Partner Kevin J. Moore gave a presentation on Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) and Spousal Lifetime Access Non-Grantor Trusts (SLANTs) to members of the Pasadena Bar Association on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Moore’s presentation was one of the two in-person events hosted by the association held that month and welcomed approximately 20 guests to the meeting held in downtown Pasadena, co-chaired by Kim Frasca-Delaney […]
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April 14, 2025 (PASADENA, CA) – KJMLAW Partners attorney Evan Chavez attended events for Loyola High School and Verbum Dei Jesuit High School on Thursday, April 11, 2025, continuing to maintain ties with the educational communities he participated in before joining the firm. Evan, a 2002 Loyola High School alum, played in the Alumni Golf Tournament benefiting the Loyola Cubs athletic program with colleagues Kevin and Sebastian Moore and Jesse […]
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There are many nuances to consider when it comes to the statutes of limitations and deadlines involved in an inheritance claim. In the case of California state law, deadlines can range from 120 days from the moment you are notified of a testator passing away, to essentially none, depending on the circumstances, with the whole process typically taking around 9 months. That’s why knowing what is involved is critical to […]
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(PASADENA, CA) – Firm Partner Debby Doitch moderated a group of speakers at the Los Angeles Estate Planning Council’s (LAEPC) February meeting, “Recovery Panel for Wildfire Recovery.” The meeting took place at the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles. “It was an honor to moderate a panel with these amazing professionals,” regarded Doitch after the panel, which focused on the pathways to recovery for communities in the greater Los Angeles […]
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February 6, 2025 (PASADENA, CA) – Firm partners Kevin J. Moore and Debby Doitch announced Andrew D. Nutbrown joining as the newest partner of KJMLAW Partners, PLC on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Debby Doitch lauded Nutbrown’s promotion, affirming, “I am honored to welcome Andrew as a partner of the firm. Having personally witnessed his growth, legal expertise and dedication, I look forward to our next chapter and continued growth and […]
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The recent fires that have devastated many across Southern California are truly unprecedented. As those affected navigate the immediate and long-term impacts, we offer our sincerest hope for a return to a better quality of life for all as we begin the process of recovery and rebuilding. Our services in this area continue along with the updates issued by the State in response to the wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom has […]
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Many of us have lost our homes or suffered serious property damage due to the fires ravaging Los Angeles. We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your loved ones, and we share in your sense of loss. We write to let you know about several changes in the law that have been enacted in recent days to assist those impacted by the fires. Many of these have taken the […]
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(PASADENA, CA) – Pasadena’s City Council convened on Monday night for its first meeting since the devastating windstorm and Eaton Fire broke out in the city and unincorporated area of Altadena last Tuesday, January 7. The council was joined by police and fire chiefs of the area and the zoom-accessible meeting included public comment. Among the top concerns from the public were housing and financial stability while trying to rebuild […]
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During this time of great and unprecedented loss, we are bound by our experience. Many of our clients, staff members, and loved ones have lost their homes and are beginning the difficult process of what comes next. We are navigating this together. The recent fires have not only devastated homes and property but have taken a toll on memories and keepsakes that have value beyond any number. As you navigate […]
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This week, LA County is facing an unprecedented challenge to its life and culture due to the dangerously high Santa Ana winds and the wildfires caused by those winds. KJMLAW Partners extends our deepest concern and sympathies to all who have been affected by these events at all levels. Below are a collection of resources that displaced members of our community can receive aid in the form of shelter, clothing, […]
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(PASADENA, CA) – The 2024 California Alliance of Taxpayer Advocates (CATA) Conference took place from December 11-13th, 2024, in beautiful Laguna Niguel. Here, KJMLAW attorney Evan Chavez spoke on “New Construction – Total Market Value versus Supplemental Roll for Completion.” Chavez spoke alongside the other members of the panel about avoiding improper reassessments and reducing tax exposure in the process of new construction matters. Despite this year’s conference being Chavez’ […]
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(PASADENA, CA) – This month, KJMLAW Partners was one of the sponsors for Altadena Music Theatre’s latest Broadway production, Guys and Dolls, at Farnsworth Amphitheatre from October 10-20, 2024. KJMLAW founder and partner Kevin Moore’s local roots played a large part in the sponsorship. “I was born and raised in Altadena, and continue to live in Altadena, I am excited to sponsor this event,” he shared. Altadena Music Theatre performs […]
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Being a trustee and beneficiary of a trust is a complex role that needs to be balanced to keep it fair and legal. A trustee manages and administers the trust assets and must be impartial and in the best interest of all beneficiaries and not self-serving. A beneficiary gets benefits from the trust like distributions or use of assets and has the right to make sure the trust is managed […]
Read MoreOn the latest episode of The Probate Realtor Show Matias Baker Masucci had Kevin Bayley, an attorney at KJMLAW Partners on the show to talk about complex trust administration. What is Trust Administration? Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets according to their trust. While the goal of setting up a trust is to avoid the long and expensive probate process, trust administration still […]
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Probate court can be a complex and daunting process, especially when it involves managing the financial affairs of a lost loved one. One of the most critical components in this process is estate accounting. This article demystifies estate accounting in probate court, outlines the steps involved, and provides guidance on how beneficiaries and executors can navigate this essential aspect of estate administration. Why a Beneficiary Might Need an Accountant Beneficiaries […]
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A trustee, whether an individual or a corporate entity, is appointed to manage and oversee the assets held within a trust for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The trustee role carries significant responsibility and potential legal liabilities. Understanding trustee liability is essential for anyone serving as a trustee or considering taking on this role. This knowledge helps navigate the complexities of trust administration and ensures fiduciary duties are met. Missteps […]
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How Can a Trust be Challenged? As California lawyers, the attorneys at KJMLAW Partners are often asked about how to challenge a trust or how to create a trust that will withstand a challenge. Trusts are powerful legal instruments designed to protect assets, provide for beneficiaries, and facilitate estate planning. However, like any legal arrangement, trusts can be subject to challenges under certain circumstances. Whether due to suspicions of undue […]
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On April 16, 2024 the Canadian Federal Government issued its 2024 Budget that announced key changes in taxation coming into effect on June 25, 2024. These changes particularly impact the taxation of estates and will likely have a profound impact on estate/succession planning for both Canadian residents and non-residents with investments/assets located in Canada going forward. Capital Gains Taxes Imposed By The Canadian Federal Government Following Death Unlike the United […]
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There is a significant regulatory development that may impact your business operations—the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). Enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, the Corporate Transparency Act introduces new reporting requirements for beneficial ownership information (“BOI”), aimed at enhancing corporate transparency and preventing financial crimes. Overview of the Corporate Transparency Act The Corporate Transparency Act mandates that certain entities disclose BOI to the Financial […]
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