Humphrey Berger & Associates

Humphrey Berger & Associates HBA brings litigation experience with proven results, along with trusted counsel in trust and will planning and probate matters.

What’s the best way to leave your home to your children?There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are smart strategi...
06/08/2026

What’s the best way to leave your home to your children?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are smart strategies that can make the process much smoother for your family.

In many cases, using a revocable living trust or a transfer-on-death deed (TODD) allows you to pass your home to your children without going through probate—saving time, cost, and unnecessary stress.

These options also allow you to:
✔️ Maintain full control of your property during your lifetime
✔️ Ensure a smooth, private transfer after you pass
✔️ Potentially preserve important tax benefits, like a stepped-up basis

The right approach depends on your goals, your family, and your overall estate plan.
Because when it comes to your home—it’s not just an asset. It’s part of your legacy.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

What is the “5 by 5” rule in estate planning?It may sound technical, but it’s actually a smart way to build flexibility ...
05/04/2026

What is the “5 by 5” rule in estate planning?

It may sound technical, but it’s actually a smart way to build flexibility into a trust.
The 5 by 5 rule allows a beneficiary to withdraw up to $5,000 or 5% of the trust’s value each year—whichever is greater.

Why does this matter?
It gives beneficiaries access to funds when needed, while still protecting the overall structure and intent of the trust.

In other words, it’s a thoughtful balance between access and protection—helping preserve assets while still providing support.

Estate planning isn’t just about control—it’s about creating plans that actually work in real life.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

What NOT to put in your willYou might think your will is the place to outline your funeral wishes… but it’s actually not...
04/23/2026

What NOT to put in your will

You might think your will is the place to outline your funeral wishes… but it’s actually not the best place for it.

Here’s why:
By the time your will is read, your funeral has likely already happened.

And even more surprising—funeral instructions in a will aren’t legally binding. The executor ultimately has the authority to make those decisions.
The better approach?

Have those conversations in advance and document your wishes in a way your loved ones can easily access when the time comes.

Estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about making things easier for the people you care about.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

Putting off estate planning? You’re not alone… but it can backfire fast.Nearly half of Americans without a will say they...
03/17/2026

Putting off estate planning? You’re not alone… but it can backfire fast.
Nearly half of Americans without a will say they’re waiting for a medical diagnosis before making a plan. The problem? Life doesn’t exactly send a calendar invite before a health emergency.

Here’s what that “wait and see” approach can lead to:
• If you pass away without a will, your family could be stuck in long, stressful legal proceedings
• If you become incapacitated without an advance healthcare directive, your loved ones are left guessing about your medical wishes

Estate planning isn’t about expecting the worst — it’s about making things easier for the people you love most. A plan today means fewer questions and less stress tomorrow.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

Estate plans aren’t “set it and forget it.”Life changes—and so should your plan! Whether it’s been 3–5 years, or you’ve ...
02/26/2026

Estate plans aren’t “set it and forget it.”

Life changes—and so should your plan! Whether it’s been 3–5 years, or you’ve had a major life event like marriage, divorce, a new child, or a big financial change, now’s the time to review your estate plan.

Keeping it up to date ensures your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and your assets go exactly where you want them to. 📝💛

Don’t wait—make your plan work as hard as you do.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

California homeowners — Prop 19 is a game changer.Inherited property is no longer automatically protected from property ...
02/18/2026

California homeowners — Prop 19 is a game changer.
Inherited property is no longer automatically protected from property tax reassessment. That could mean a big tax increase for your kids.

The key exception:
If your child moves in and makes the home their primary residence, they may avoid a major spike — but strict rules apply.

For rentals, vacation homes, or property kids won’t live in… higher taxes are usually the result.

Planning ahead can help your family avoid surprises later.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

California Medi-Cal Update (2026)Starting Jan. 1, 2026, California is reinstating asset limits for Medi-Cal long-term ca...
01/28/2026

California Medi-Cal Update (2026)

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, California is reinstating asset limits for Medi-Cal long-term care eligibility. The temporary flexibility is ending — and without planning, some seniors could lose access to benefits.

Now is the time to review assets, update your estate plan, and explore planning strategies that help protect eligibility.

A little planning today can make a big difference tomorrow.

Have questions? We’re here to help. hbalaw.com/estateplanning

Solo Aging: Own Your Next Chapter.Solo aging isn’t about being alone—it’s about being prepared and in control.It’s your ...
01/13/2026

Solo Aging: Own Your Next Chapter.

Solo aging isn’t about being alone—it’s about being prepared and in control.

It’s your chance to make smart legal and healthcare decisions, build a trusted support network, and protect your values with a clear estate plan.

With the right guidance, solo aging isn’t scary—it’s empowering, organized, and totally doable.

HBAlaw.com/estateplanning

Think a will just magically works after you’re gone? Not quite. Without probate, your carefully crafted plan can go poof...
01/07/2026

Think a will just magically works after you’re gone? Not quite. Without probate, your carefully crafted plan can go poof—invalid and stuck in legal limbo.

Assets can end up frozen by the state, and your beneficiaries? Left scratching their heads.

Don’t let your legacy turn into a ghost story. Make sure probate (if needed) gets done!

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

Happy New Year!New year, fresh start—does your estate plan still reflect your life today? From beneficiary designations ...
01/02/2026

Happy New Year!
New year, fresh start—does your estate plan still reflect your life today? From beneficiary designations to fiduciary choices, now is a smart time to review or update your plan so it keeps up with life changes and evolving tax laws.

hbalaw.com/estateplanning

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