DeCosimo Law

05/27/2026

You're helping your mom with her medications, cheering at your kid's soccer game, and somehow keeping everything else afloat. You are holding two generations together — and that is extraordinary. But here's the hard question: what happens to all of them if something happens to you? Our newest blog post is written specifically for the sandwich generation — California families caring for aging parents while still raising kids. We break down the four documents that protect everyone counting on you, not just after you're gone, but if you simply can't show up tomorrow. Link in bio. 💛

#𝖯𝗋𝗈𝗍𝖾𝖼𝗍𝖸𝗈𝗎𝗋𝖥𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒

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If you're raising kids while caring for aging parents, estate planning isn't just about death — it's about protecting every person who needs you right now. Here's what California families need to know. (198 characters — trim to: "Raising kids while caring for aging parents? California's sandwic

05/25/2026

Your collection is more than metal and chrome. It's decades of passion, history, and hard work. Without the right estate plan, it could end up stuck in probate court, sold at a fraction of its value, or fought over by family members who don't know a carburetor from a crankshaft.

The good news? California has some great tools to protect what you've built — and 2026 brought some big changes that every collector should know about.

We just published a full breakdown on our blog covering:
✅ The new $15 million federal estate tax exemption (now permanent!)
✅ The stepped-up basis tax advantage that could save your heirs thousands
✅ California's updated probate thresholds for 2026
✅ The Medi-Cal asset rule change that's catching collectors off guard
✅ How to make sure the right car goes to the right person
Whether you have one classic in the garage or a full collection, your legacy deserves a plan. 🔑
Read the full post at the link below — and if you're ready to talk, we'd love to help.



Read more:

Own a classic or antique car in California? Learn how to protect your collection with the right estate plan — including 2026 updates on probate thresholds, the stepped-up basis tax advantage, Medi-Cal asset rules, and how California compares to other states.

05/19/2026

Register now: www.decosimolaw.com/secureyourlegacy

05/18/2026

When people think about settling a parent’s estate, they usually focus on the house and bank accounts — not the boxes in the garage, the storage unit, or the heirlooms tucked away in closets.

But those items often carry the most emotion, memories, and sometimes even conflict. What feels like “just stuff” to one person may be priceless to another.

Estate planning isn’t only about money — it’s also about making things easier for the people you love when the time comes.

A guide to disposing of all the things your parents accumulated over a lifetime. Plus, 10 tips for organizing your own stuff to spare your kids trouble o conflict.

05/14/2026

We still have a few seats left! Register now!

www.decosimolaw.com/secureyourlegacy

05/13/2026

A sudden loss is hard enough. But when someone dies without an estate plan, grief can quickly turn into confusion, conflict, and legal chaos.

The reported story of Marie-Thérèse Ross-Mahé is a powerful reminder that estate planning is not just about money or inheritance. It is about protecting the people you love when they are most vulnerable.

For blended families, second marriages, homeowners, and families with international ties, having a clear plan in place can make all the difference.

Read our latest blog to learn:
• Why dying without a will creates uncertainty
• How family conflict can escalate after a loss
• Why trusts, powers of attorney, and clear instructions matter
• What families can do now to protect loved ones later



Read more:

The reported story of Marie-Thérèse Ross-Mahé highlights how dying without an estate plan can create family conflict, housing instability, probate problems, and legal confusion. Learn why blended families, second marriages, and international families need proper estate planning in California.

05/08/2026

What happens when someone builds a fortune… but leaves no clear plan behind?

Zappos founder Tony Hsieh reportedly sold his company for over $1 billion, yet after his passing, questions and legal complications surrounding his estate became national news.

Estate planning is not just for the ultra-wealthy. It is about:
• Protecting the people you love
• Making your wishes clear
• Avoiding unnecessary court involvement and conflict
• Creating peace of mind for your family during difficult times

Whether you own a business, a home, have children, or simply want more control over what happens after you pass, having a proper estate plan can make a significant difference.

Read our latest blog here:
https://www.decosimolaw.com/blog/he-sold-his-company-for-12-billion-he-died-without-an-estate-plan

Tony Hsieh sold Zappos to Amazon for $1.2 billion and built one of the most admired companies in America. When he died at 46 without a will or a trust, his family was left to sort out an estate worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Publicly, slowly, and painfully. What happened next is a lesson ev

04/29/2026

The first 60–120 days after someone passes are where trust administration becomes a legal responsibility, not just a checklist.

In California:
• You must notify heirs and beneficiaries within 60 days
• They have 120 days to contest
• You must inventory assets, secure property, and handle debts properly

Miss a step, and you could be personally liable as trustee.

This guide breaks it down clearly and legally so you can get it right.

Learn the legally required steps trustees must take in California during the first months after death, including Probate Code §16061.7 notices, asset inventory, EIN setup, debt handling, and fiduciary duties.

04/18/2026

Excited to participate in this!

04/15/2026

Trustee or executor, which one is actually in charge after someone dies in California?

A lot of families assume those titles mean the same thing. They do not.

In many cases, the trustee handles assets in the trust, while the executor handles assets that must go through probate. Sometimes it is the same person wearing two different legal hats. When the roles are unclear, families can face delays, confusion, and conflict at exactly the wrong time.

Confused about trustee vs. executor in California? Learn the key differences, who handles probate, who manages trust assets, and how to avoid family confusion.

04/07/2026

What happens when a loved one passes away and nobody really knows what they wanted?

Not just the big legal questions, but the deeply personal ones:
Who gets the jewelry?
What happens to the family photos?
Did they want burial, cremation, a church service, or a celebration of life with music and stories?

Some of the hardest family conflicts begin in those uncertain moments. The more clear, detailed, and thoughtful your wishes are, the easier it can be for your loved ones to carry them out with confidence and peace.

Our newest blog explains how better planning around funeral instructions, memorial wishes, and personal property can help families avoid confusion and conflict.

Unclear funeral instructions, memorial plans, and personal property wishes can create painful family conflict after death. Learn how clear California estate planning documents can help loved ones avoid confusion and preserve peace.