Why DIY-ing Your Estate Plan is a Costly Mistake
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Why DIY-ing Your Estate Plan is a Costly Mistake

DIY projects can be fun and rewarding - when they involve painting a room or building a backyard deck. But when it comes to your estate plan, going the DIY route is like performing your own root canal: painful, messy, and likely to cost much more in the long run.

At On Point Estate Law, we are dedicated to helping California families create estate plans that address every aspect of their lives. Don’t leave your loved ones cleaning up a mess left behind. Reach out today by calling (619) 273-3329 to secure your estate and enjoy peace of mind.

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Living in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Living in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation

If you’re in the sandwich generation, you know exactly what that means. Amidst the daily hustle, there’s one crucial conversation that often gets pushed aside: estate planning. Encouraging your parents to have their estate plan in place gives them the dignity of choice. Estate planning isn't just about passing on assets - it’s about securing your children’s future. With On Point Estate Law, a California-based law firm specializing in wills, trusts, and estate planning, you don’t have to do this alone.

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Empowering Women Through Estate Planning: Secure Your Future, Protect Your Legacy
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Empowering Women Through Estate Planning: Secure Your Future, Protect Your Legacy

Estate planning is about more than just drafting a will - it’s about taking control of your future and ensuring that the people you love are protected, no matter what life brings. As a woman-owned law firm, one of the pillars of our practice is to empower women to build stability, achieve financial freedom, and create a safety net for their children and their loved ones.

The truth is, estate planning is a critical step in financial wellness. Women often juggle multiple roles - as professionals, caretakers, partners, and more - and it's easy to put off planning for the future while focusing on day-to-day responsibilities. But the reality is, having a clear, thoughtful estate plan isn’t just an act of self-care - it’s an act of love for those around you.

Our mission aligns with breaking down barriers, championing financial confidence, and supporting women as they build lives of security and purpose. We work to help women make empowered decisions about their assets, their health care, and their legacies.

Whether you're single, married, a mother, caring for older parents, or planning for retirement, estate planning puts you in the driver’s seat. It means you decide what happens to your assets, who will care for your children, and how your healthcare decisions will be made if you’re unable to voice them yourself. It’s about making sure your voice is heard - today, tomorrow, and beyond.

We’re here to guide you through this process with empathy and expertise, ensuring your plan reflects your values and the future you envision. Let’s build a roadmap to protect what matters most - your loved ones, your legacy, and your peace of mind.

If you’re ready to take this important step, we invite you to call (619) 273-3329 or schedule an appointment here. We would love to connect with you by phone, Zoom, or in person at our office in San Diego. Together, we’ll create a plan that empowers you and secures your future.

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Finding Peace in Uncertain Times
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Finding Peace in Uncertain Times

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But in times of unpredictability, one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and our loved ones is control - the ability to prepare and plan for whatever may come.

As Epictetus wisely said, "The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have."

While we can’t control everything, we can take steps to ensure that our loved ones are protected and that our wishes are clearly laid out in the event of a sudden stroke, car accident, or death.

Estate planning is more than just legal documents - it’s a way to bring peace of mind and relief, knowing that your family won’t be left scrambling to make difficult decisions in uncertain moments.

If you live in California, I invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation here or call (619) 273-3329.

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Have You Added Your Trust as an “Additional Insured” to Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Have You Added Your Trust as an “Additional Insured” to Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

If you already have a Trust, have you added your Trust as an “additional insured” to your homeowner’s insurance policy? If not, your insurance coverage could be at risk.

In light of recent LA wildfires, we’ve seen tragic cases where homeowners lost their properties and faced denied insurance claims. Why? Because their homes were legally owned by their Trusts, but only the individuals were named on the homeowner’s insurance policy.

When a large loss occurs, insurers scrutinize every detail of your policy to look for errors they can use to deny coverage.

The good news? This issue is easy to prevent.

➡️ Simply call your insurance provider and ask to add your Trust as an “additional insured” on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

If you have any questions about your Trust or want to ensure your estate plan is fully funded and protected, reach out to On Point Estate Law at (619) 273-3329 or schedule a call here to safeguard your family's future.

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The True Cost of Skipping Estate Planning in California: Probate Fee Calculator
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

The True Cost of Skipping Estate Planning in California: Probate Fee Calculator

Estate planning is one of the most important gifts you can give to your loved ones. Many people put it off, thinking it’s too expensive or time-consuming. In California, probate fees are set by statute (which means they’re determined by law), and they can quickly add up. Even if you have a will, your estate will still go through probate, and the costs remain the same.

To show just how costly probate can be, we’ve introduced an easy-to-use Probate Fee Calculator to help you estimate the fees your heirs might face if you don’t have an estate plan in place. You can also use it to see how much probate would cost if your estate plan is outdated or poorly drafted.

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Why You Should Consider Putting Your Home in a Trust if You Live in California
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Why You Should Consider Putting Your Home in a Trust if You Live in California

When it comes to estate planning in California, one of the most strategic moves you can make is placing your home in a trust. Placing your home in a trust offers benefits that extend beyond avoiding probate. It provides tax advantages, privacy, and control, ensuring that your property is managed and transferred according to your wishes. At On Point Estate Law, we would love to work together to create a plan that is tailored to meet your specific goals and needs. Contact us today to learn more about putting your home into trust at (619) 273-3329, or schedule a free consultation here.

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5 Essential Estate Planning Steps Every Family Should Take Before the Year Ends
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

5 Essential Estate Planning Steps Every Family Should Take Before the Year Ends

The end of the year is a natural time for reflection and planning. As you wrap up your 2024 goals, don’t forget one crucial item: securing your family’s future with an estate plan. By taking care of these five key steps now, you’ll enter the new year with peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected.

1. Create or Update Your Trust and Will
In California, a trust is the foundation of an estate plan for most people. A trust can offer additional protection and flexibility, especially for families with young children. It allows you to dictate how and when assets are distributed and can help avoid probate.

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Are You a Business Owner? What You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Are You a Business Owner? What You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act

Estate planning often involves more than just wills and trusts - it also encompasses strategies for protecting and managing business interests. If you own a small business or are part of a closely held entity, it's time to familiarize yourself with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its new reporting requirements for beneficial ownership. Read more for a quick breakdown of what this means and how it may impact you as a business owner or someone involved in estate planning.

The Corporate Transparency Act may seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be seamlessly integrated into your estate plan. Don't wait until it's too late - reach out to On Point Estate Law at (619) 273-3329 or schedule a call here to safeguard your family's future.

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Honoring Our Veterans: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans and Their Families 🇺🇸
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Honoring Our Veterans: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans and Their Families 🇺🇸

Today, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my father, a three-tour Vietnam Veteran, and to all the courageous men and women who have served our country. I’m also thinking of my brother, a PROUD Veteran whom we tragically lost four years ago. Serving as his executor and personal representative was a profound experience. In that role, I turned to the Veteran’s Administration (VA) for support and discovered a wealth of benefits that can provide peace of mind for veterans and their families.

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Should My Parents Add Me to the Deed of Their Home?
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

Should My Parents Add Me to the Deed of Their Home?

Adding a child to the deed of a home is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The potential downsides - especially regarding taxes and liability - should not be overlooked. Before making any changes to the deed, it’s essential for families to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney and a tax advisor. By considering the full range of estate planning options, parents can find a strategy that best meets their goals, protects their assets, and minimizes potential tax and legal issues for their heirs.

If you or your parents are considering adding a child to the deed, or if you want to explore other probate-avoidance strategies, contact our office. On Point Estate Law is here to help you make informed decisions that best support your family’s goals and protect your legacy.

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The Importance of Consulting an Attorney for Estate Planning in California
Jamie Ledezma Jamie Ledezma

The Importance of Consulting an Attorney for Estate Planning in California

While basic estate planning needs can be met online, the intricacies of trusts and other legal documents demand professional expertise. Consulting an experienced estate planning attorney ensures your wishes are accurately reflected and legally sound. Don't leave your estate plan to chance - contact On Point Estate Law for personalized guidance and peace of mind.

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