Advanced Planning
Inheritance & Sudden Wealth Planning
We help California families slow down, understand what they've received, and put the right protections in place before making major decisions.
What Counts as "Sudden Wealth"
Sudden wealth is not limited to a large inheritance. It can come in many forms, each with its own tax, legal, and planning considerations:
- An inheritance from a parent, spouse, or other family member
- A life insurance payout
- A personal injury or wrongful death settlement
- Proceeds from the sale of a business or real estate
Why a Windfall Deserves Its Own Plan
A significant inheritance or other windfall can change your financial picture quickly. Before treating it as simply "extra savings," it is important to understand how it should be held, titled, and coordinated with the rest of your estate plan.
Without a thoughtful plan, families can unintentionally:
- Make large financial decisions before taxes, debts, and long-term needs are clear
- Hold assets in a way that could cause unnecessary probate later
- Mix inherited property with spousal property in a way that may affect its separate-property character in the event of divorce
- Miss opportunities to update an estate plan after a significant increase in wealth
- Feel pressured to lend, gift, or invest before they have had time to consider their options
What an Inheritance & Sudden Wealth Plan Can Include
Receiving a significant inheritance can be exciting, overwhelming, and, when it follows a loss, emotionally difficult. We help you take things one step at a time.
Depending on your circumstances, your plan may include:
- A living trust designed to hold and pass your assets outside of probate
- Guidance on properly titling inherited property and keeping separate property clearly identifiable
- Updates to your existing estate plan to reflect your new financial circumstances
- Coordination with your financial advisor and CPA so your legal, tax, and investment planning work together
- Guidance on how and when to pass wealth to your children or other beneficiaries
Talk to Us Before You Make Big Moves
If you have recently received, or expect to receive, a significant inheritance or windfall, consider getting advice before making major transfers or financial decisions.
We can help you understand what you received, how it should be titled and protected, and how it fits into the bigger picture — so you can move forward thoughtfully and with confidence.
Begin with a conversation.
A consultation to understand your family, answer your questions, and decide together what your plan should protect.