Protecting Arcadia's Multi-Generational Wealth
Arcadia represents some of the most prestigious real estate in the San Gabriel Valley. As your experienced Arcadia estate attorney, we understand that "standard" planning is insufficient for estates with significant equity. We specialize in Dynasty Trusts and Generation-Skipping strategies designed to protect your wealth from the 40% federal estate tax (exemptions currently at $13.99M/person) across multiple generations.
Many of our Arcadia clients are part of a vibrant Asian-American community where family harmony and cultural legacy are paramount. We draft plans that respect your family values while ensuring complete California Probate Code compliance.
International Asset Coordination: China, Taiwan, & Beyond
A unique challenge for Arcadia residents is the management of foreign assets. If you own property, business interests, or accounts in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, your U.S. estate plan must be coordinated to prevent double taxation or complex probate proceedings in multiple countries. While a California Living Trust handles your local real estate, we provide the legal guidance needed to disclose and structure your global legacy correctly.
Pasadena Superior Court & Arcadia Probate Filings
Arcadia residents typically fall under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Superior Court - Northeast District. Most probate and conservatorship matters are initiated at the Pasadena Courthouse.
With current delays, a house in Upper Rancho cannot be sold for 12+ months if the owner passes without a trust. As your Arcadia probate lawyer, we move quickly to file Petitions for Letters of Administration or Heggstad Petitions to secure your property and protect your heirs from the public court process.
Proposition 19 Defense for Arcadia Homeowners
Because Arcadia property has appreciated so significantly, Proposition 19 (Family Home Protection Act) presents a major tax risk. If your child inherits your home and it is not their primary residence, the property tax will be reassessed to market value—often increasing an annual bill from $5,000 to over $25,000. We utilize specialized trust language to help preserve your tax base for the next generation.
Complete Arcadia Estate Planning Services
Our comprehensive estate planning packages include:
- Revocable Living Trust - Avoid probate entirely
- Pour-Over Will - Catch-all for assets outside the trust
- Durable Power of Attorney - Financial management if incapacitated
- Advance Healthcare Directive - Medical decisions
- HIPAA Authorization - Access to medical records
- Trust Transfer Deed - Transfer your Arcadia home into the trust
- International Asset Coordination - For overseas holdings
- Dynasty Trust Planning - Multi-generational wealth protection
