Goralka Law Firm, PC

09/23/2025

REMINDER: Our free live webinar is tomorrow.

Don’t let new property tax laws threaten your family’s legacy. Without a plan, changes to inherited property rules could mean a significant tax increase for your loved ones, putting your hard-earned wealth at risk.

Tomorrow, I'm sharing critical strategies to help you navigate these laws, protect your assets, and preserve your legacy. Join me for my exclusive live webinar: Planning for Real Estate Investors.

Date: Wednesday, September 24 Time: 10:00 AM PDT

Secure your spot now and take action to protect your family’s future.

➡️ Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ElZ2GzAJTGOQHXSPygEDTg #/registration

I look forward to seeing you there.

09/22/2025

If you've been named executor of a will, you're likely facing a mix of grief and overwhelming responsibilities. Executors are tasked with managing the probate process, which includes filing legal paperwork, distributing assets, maintaining property, and paying estate bills and taxes. The role involves complex decisions and detailed legal work. The right law firm can help guide you through each step, offering expertise and support during this challenging time.

Watch my one minute video on the topic:

This is a communication for legal services from the Goralka Law Firm. Mr. Goralka is responsible for its contents.

09/17/2025

Real estate investors and property owners,

California's Proposition 19 has fundamentally changed the rules for how you transfer property to the next generation. What many people don’t realize is that these new laws can trigger a significant property tax hike, potentially eroding your family's wealth.

I'm hosting a live webinar, Planning for Real Estate Investors, to help you navigate this new landscape. Join me on Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 AM as I discuss essential strategies to protect your assets and legacy, including:

>>Why Prop 19 raises taxes on inherited property and how to plan for it.
>>How to keep your valuable step-up in tax basis.
>>Strategies to lower capital gains and increase depreciation.
>>Proven techniques to protect family wealth from unnecessary tax burdens.

The future of your real estate investments depends on the decisions you make today. This webinar is for any real estate investor who wants to ensure their legacy is protected.

Register now to secure your spot: ➡️ https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ElZ2GzAJTGOQHXSPygEDTg #/registration

See you there.

09/09/2025

One of the most critical decisions in your estate planning journey is selecting the person who will manage your financial affairs if you're unable to do so. Whether it's your successor trustee, executor, or attorney-in-fact, this role carries immense responsibility and impact.

I break down what to consider and how to choose wisely in my article: How to Choose Your Trustee or Executor of Your Will. Read it here: https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/how-to-choose-your-trustee-or-executor-of-your-will

09/05/2025

There’s a little-known tax strategy that can save you millions, and most business owners have never heard of it.

I recently wrote about the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exemption and how it can eliminate up to $10M (or more) in capital gains tax. If you’re planning a business exit, advising startups, or thinking about legacy planning, this strategy could be a game-changer.

I break down how QSBS works, who qualifies, and how to use trusts and timing to maximize the benefit.

👉 Read the article: https://www.kiplinger.com/business/small-business/this-is-a-magic-multimillion-dollar-tax-saving-strategy

If you’d like to explore how this applies to your situation, I’d be happy to talk. Feel free to reach out directly.

09/02/2025

News from our team at the Goralka Law firm:

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗠. 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮, 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼, 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗩 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁® 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲-𝗛𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹®.

Martindale-Hubbell has confirmed that attorney John Goralka still maintains the AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell's highest possible rating for both ethical standards and legal ability, even after first achieving this rating in 2015.

For more than 130 years, lawyers and clients have relied on the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® rating while searching for expert attorneys. The Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® rating is the highest possible rating for an attorney for both ethical standards and legal ability. This rating represents the pinnacle of professional excellence. It is achieved only after an attorney has been reviewed and recommended by their peers - members of the bar and the judiciary.

Congratulations go to John Goralka who has achieved the AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®.

Mr. Goralka commented on the recognition: "The Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating is a credential highly valued and sought after in the legal world. It used to be a sort of secret among attorneys who used the rating as a first screen when they needed to hire a lawyer they did not personally know. Now, thanks to the Internet, the Rating is a great way for anyone – lawyers or lay people - to use to screen lawyers. I am thankful to my peers who nominated me for this distinction, and proud to have earned this, the highest possible Martindale-Hubbell rating."

08/27/2025

Every August, I think about the thousands of students heading off to college. Some for the first time, some returning with a little more confidence and a lot more laundry. It always takes me back.

My own college journey didn’t start with a clear plan. I began at a junior college, working graveyard shifts at a pickle factory and spending weekends on our ranch in Livermore. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was formative. Those years taught me how to work hard, adapt, and keep going.

If you’re a student just starting out, or a parent watching your kid take that leap, know this: the first few years might feel messy, but they can be transformational. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just keep showing up.

I share more about those early years here: https://www.goralkalawfirm.com/blog/transformational-first-few-years-in-college.cfm

08/22/2025

It’s shaping up to be a hot one in Sacramento this weekend. The forecast says 102 degrees. When it’s that hot, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner that keeps you in the kitchen. That’s why I’m sharing a favorite for this month’s recipe: seared ahi tuna steaks with a bright, herb-packed dill aioli.

This dish is quick, fresh, and surprisingly elegant. The tuna’s meaty texture holds up beautifully on the grill, and the aioli adds just the right punch of flavor without weighing things down. Best part? You’ll have dinner ready in under an hour, and it’ll taste like something you’d order at a great restaurant.

If you're looking for a way to beat the heat and still enjoy a satisfying meal, I think you’ll really enjoy this one. You can find the full recipe on our blog.

Stay cool out there, and happy cooking.

https://www.goralkalawfirm.com/blog/recipe-of-the-month-seared-tuna-steaks-with-dill-aioli.cfm

08/20/2025

News from our Team at Goralka Law Firm:

Consistent Super Lawyer Recognition for Legal Excellence

John has been honored as a Northern California Super Lawyer in the areas of Taxation, Estate Planning, and Trusts every year since 2016. This elite designation, awarded by Super Lawyers, reflects a rigorous, multi-phase selection process driven by peer nomination and independent research.

Only the top 5% of attorneys in each state are selected, making this an exceptional and enduring testament to John’s legal acumen, professional integrity, and the respect he commands within the legal community.

This ongoing recognition underscores John’s steadfast commitment to excellence in practice and his deep expertise in guiding individuals, families, and business owners through complex tax and estate planning matters.

08/18/2025

My August edition of the Goralka Law Firm newsletter is now available for free download.

This month’s issue features:

✅ Transformational First Few Years in College – A personal reflection from my early days and the lessons that shaped my journey

✅ Take It From a Tax Attorney: This is a Magic Multimillion-Dollar Tax-Saving Strategy – A powerful approach to preserving wealth

✅ How to Choose Your Trustee or Executor of Your Will – Practical guidance for one of life’s most important decisions

✅ And more...

🔗 Download the newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/goralkalawfirm/august2025-1

Not subscribed yet? You can sign up for free and never miss an issue: https://goralkalawfirm.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=37fa00fcaefd5ad4baf8b8e8a&id=17b83330da

Thanks for reading—and as always, feel free to reach out with questions or feedback!

08/11/2025

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 - 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟲𝘁𝗵

I'd like to remind you, your family members, friends and your clients to attend my next free seminar in Sacramento: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲, 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀.

We’d love to welcome you to this meaningful in-person seminar, but space is limited, so don’t wait!

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟲𝘁𝗵
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝟭𝟬:𝟯𝟬 𝗔𝗠 – 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲
𝟮𝟳𝟱𝟬 𝗦𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱, 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼, 𝗖𝗔 𝟵𝟱𝟴𝟮𝟬

𝗧𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿:
𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗱 𝗞𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁: 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗱.𝗸𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗮𝗻@𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲.𝗼𝗿𝗴

Selling appreciated real estate, investment property, or a business interest can trigger steep capital gains taxes, but with the right strategy, much of that tax may be reduced or avoided. In this focused seminar, I’ll cover proven techniques to help you minimize, defer, or even eliminate capital gains tax so you can preserve your wealth for greater freedom to reinvest or pass assets on to your heirs.

This seminar is sponsored by the Sacramento Children's Home. I’m proud to present the seminar not only to help individuals fortify their Living Trusts and financial future, but also to shine a light on the vital work of the Sacramento Children’s Home, especially as they navigate today’s funding challenges.

Join us and move confidently toward lasting security.

08/09/2025

News from our Team at Goralka Law Firm:
In June, John was invited and accepted to serve as a Practical Guidance Author for Lexis, a premier national legal research platform. This prestigious role involves contributing expert-level insights and technical guidance to fellow attorneys on complex matters of estate planning and tax law.

His inaugural article will focus on Advanced Estate Planning Techniques; a critical area for preserving generational wealth, optimizing tax outcomes, and ensuring long-term financial security for families and business owners alike.

This invitation reflects not only John's deep subject matter expertise, but also his growing influence as a thought leader in the legal and wealth planning community. By shaping the way practitioners approach high-level planning strategies, John is helping elevate standards of practice across the profession.