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 […]
Read More(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 […]
Read MoreDuring 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 […]
Read MoreThis 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, […]
Read More(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 […]
Read MoreBeing 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 […]
Read MoreProbate 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 […]
Read MoreA 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 […]
Read MoreHow 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 […]
Read MoreOn 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 […]
Read MoreThere 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 […]
Read MoreKevin Moore was recently featured as a guest on the Legacy Leaders Podcast, hosted by Tim Garrity. During this conversation, Kevin provides a glimpse into the essence of what has made KJMLAW Partners stand out in the field of estate planning and business taxation since 1992, and speaks candidly about the intricacies of estate planning, the pivotal role of estate tax returns in preserving financial legacies, and the importance of […]
Read MoreKJMLAW Partners, Attorney Michael O’Connor assisted our client Warp2Biz, a Southern California-based internet service provider, in its sale to Gigstreem, a leading provider of high quality residential and commercial broadband networks nationwide. David Hellmold, CEO of Warp2Biz, who will be joining the Gigstreem executive team and leading its commercial sales efforts said, “Joining forces with Gigstreem provides us with the opportunity to deliver even greater value to our customers and […]
Read MoreThis week KJMLAW Partners sponsored the 26th Annual Colleen Williams Charity Golf Tournament at Annandale Country club to benefit Casa Treatment Center. This wonderful Pasadena organization has been helping women and their families for over 50 years. It was an honor for KJMLAW Partners to give a gold level donation and play in the Annual Tournament. Attorneys, Debby Doitch, Michael O’Connor, Kevin Bayley, Andrew Nutbrown, and Evan Chavez won Mixed […]
Read MoreWhat is An Omitted Spouse? When a spouse dies, the will or trust most commonly provides that their surviving spouse will receive all or most of their property and assets. The presumption that a surviving spouse should receive something is so strong that California law protects the surviving spouse even if they aren’t mentioned in the will or trust. Under California law, such a spouse is considered to be an “omitted spouse.” […]
Read MoreWe’ve all heard horror stories about families that fall apart after the death of a parent. Siblings stop talking with each other or even end up suing each other. A son or a daughter cuts a parent out of his or her life. Obviously, the reasons for such breakups vary. But in my experience, the primary reason is that the death of a parent almost always raises difficult and emotional […]
Read MoreEstate Planning Lawyer Kevin J. Moore named as one of 2023 Southern California’s Super Lawyers We are excited to announce that Kevin J. Moore has been named one of Southern California’s 2023 Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters for the second year in a row! With over 30 years of experience in estate planning and estate tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and business owners, estate planning lawyer Kevin J. Moore has truly earned this honor […]
Read MoreThis past year, Ontario, Canada drastically changed its succession laws in relation to how separations and marriages affect the validity of wills and the rights of surviving spouses. Now, under the laws of Ontario, separated spouses will not inherit under their former partner’s will or from a former partner’s intestate estate provided the couple was separated on or after January 1, 2022. Furthermore, marriages on or after January 1, 2022 […]
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