Sonoma planning commission OK’s Williams-Sonoma expansion

Events with up to 80 guests and valet parking will be allowed at the Williams-Sonoma store on Broadway unless last's nights decision of the Sonoma Planning Commission is overturned on an appeal to the City Council. In a 4-3 decision, the commission allowed a one-year temporary... Continue

Estate planning, not just for death anymore

I’ve heard all the excuses; I’ll be dead, it’s not my problem, I won’t be here, it’s my kids money not mine, etc. – unfortunately this is flawed thinking. Yes, estate planning documents are for death, but what else? In today’s world of medicine amazing... Continue

Tidbits of estate planning advice

Sometimes great little learning opportunities come through my office that I want to share but there aren’t quite enough to create an entire article. Essentially, these are a number of short stories with great lessons on how to avoid estate-planning messes… before it’s too late.... Continue

Federal judge: no tribe, no casino

A request by an Indian tribe for governmental recognition, a move that could have cleared the way for a local casino, has been denied by a federal judge. U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Davila issued the ruling Monday against the Mishewal Wappo Tribe of... Continue

How to minimize tragedy

We can’t avoid tragedy, but we can plan for it. Although, the opening quote may sting, it is the truth. Tragedy doesn’t discriminate and it doesn’t wait – we’ll see his face again. But rather than fearing tragedy, we should plan for it. Recently, Sonoma... Continue

Weathering the storm – documents that last

While the weather continues to be gloomy, your estate documents’ future doesn’t have to be. When drafting your documents keep two things in mind in order to help them “weather the storm” of life: first – draft documents that will stand the test of time... Continue

Last minute estate planning

The old saying, “there is no time like the present” may not have been conceived because of estate planning, but it does apply. In fact, the full quote is, “No time like the present, a thousand unforeseen circumstances may interrupt you at a future time”... Continue

Charitable giving

For many clients, estate planning decisions are easy. These clients are your typical “nuclear family” -- a married couple (no previous marriages) with one or more children of the current marriage. As I said, typically, these folks have pretty easy estate planning decisions. The estate... Continue

Investing in your estate plan

One of the first questions I get when meeting with clients is, “How much is this going to cost?” I am never upset at someone asking this because it is a very valid question. Furthermore, knowing up front what an estate plan will cost is... Continue

Estate planning for minors

Got minors? If you have minor children there are a few things you must do and a few things that you should seriously consider when preparing your estate plan. Topping the “must” list: naming a guardian for your minor child. There is nothing more important... Continue