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Adopt A Pet
Your Loved One has Passed…Now What? by Joan M.Grimes, Esq. and Jennifer L.Wallis, Esq.
Losing a loved one is extremely tough. You may be consumed with a long “to-do” list, while simultaneously grieving with family and loved ones. When a client tells us that their loved one has passed, we first tell them to take some time. After you have given yourself a couple of weeks, you should review your estate planning documents and consider the following items: First, does your Trust require any specific distributions be made following the death of the first spouse? Additionally, in blended families, there may be certain distributions that need to be made following the death of the first person. Second, is your Trust still accurate and up to date? Has a beneficiary or named successor trustee died? Have you bought or sold any Trust assets since the Trust was executed? Are the provisions of the Trust still as you intended? Third, check your bank and brokerage statements to see how title is held. Are there any assets in your deceased spouse’s name alone? If so, title needs to be transferred into your name. You should seek legal counsel to determine how to transfer title. Additionally, this may be a good time to transfer any additional bank and brokerage accounts to your Trust if you have not already done so. Fourth, does your Trust require you to divide the Trust estate following the death of the first spouse? If so, you should seek legal counsel to determine your options regarding this division. Fifth, you should meet with an attorney or CPA to decide whether a portability election is needed. In general, if the total estate is
– Advertisement significantly less than the exemption amount ($11.4 million in 2019) there is no need to make the portability election. However, depending on your circumstances, an election may still be recommended. You should consult with your CPA, tax advisor or attorney to determine whether this election is necessary or recommended. Sixth, if you own real property, you should check the grant deed to ensure your property is held in the name of the Trust. You should also have an appraisal done of the real property to confirm the step up in basis value upon the death of the first spouse. Seventh, now that your significant other has passed, you may want to consider appointing a Co-Trustee. In general, if you are active and still able to manage your financial affairs, appointing a Co-Trustee may not be necessary. However, if you would like your children to begin assisting you, you might consider appointing a child to serve as a CoTrustee.
While this is not an exhaustive checklist, it is a good place to start. If you have questions about what needs to be done after the death of the first spouse, I see people Monday-Friday for a FREE 30 minute consultation in my Walnut Creek and Brentwood offices.
This article provides only general legal information, and not specific legal advice. Information contained is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney. LAW OFFICE OF JOAN GRIMES (925) 939-1680 - 1600 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 © 2018 Joan Grimes
by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Feature: Michael Wood Agency: Adams Middle School
Michael Wood spends his days supporting the students and staff of Adams Middle School in Brentwood. A veteran teacher who went into administration after 25 years in the classroom, Wood is in his fifth year as principal of the middle school. He said his goal is to be the kind of administrator he always wanted to have.
“The move wasn’t motivated by stress or fatigue, it really was more a desire to have a broader range of impact,” Wood said of making the transition from classroom to principal’s office. “I had learned through doing teacher leadership that the tone on a campus is set by the administration and the support they offer and how they empower teacher leadership.”
Before arriving at Adams, Wood got his feet wet in administration by serving as assistant principal at Freedom High School in Oakley for two years. He has been part of the Liberty Union High School District since 2001, when a friend’s request for him to volunteer as a youth leader in a small church brought him north from San Diego.
“Brentwood has been great for us — we love it here,” Wood said with a smile.
Though the bulk of his experience is in high schools, Wood said he was eager to work in a middle school and have a posi
tive impact on kids as they become more independent.
When he chose education as a career, Wood was following in the footsteps of his parents, who were both teachers. Before earning his credential, Wood lived a vagabond life as a professional actor for seven years. Eventually, he craved more stability and made the move to teaching.
Wood lives in Brentwood with his wife, also a school administrator, and their three sons. He is a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoys all things music. His students are likely to see him running errands around town or stopping at Starbucks for a caffeine boost. Photo by Dawnmarie Fehr
Pet of the Week THE PRESS
Brought to you by Delta Dog Camp
Bentley, a 5-monthold labradoodle, has amazing eyelashes!
Delta Dog Camp 1315 Main Street, Oakley 625-4600 2400 Devpar Court, Antioch 757-2600 www.deltadogcamp.com Whether your dog is staying the day or a week, everyone becomes part of the pack at Delta Dog Camp, with locations in Oakley and Antioch. The camps pride themselves on one-onone attention, helping your dog become confident with other dogs (big and small) and humans. Camp staff keeps the dogs on a daily routine, and these pooches never get bored – just tired. Rain or shine, the pups play all day!
Dog Boarding & Day Camp Where Your Dog Plays While You’re Away! Bring this ad in and get 10% OFF THE FIRST STAY! G O L D M E D A L AW ARD O AKLEY P RESS O A K L E Y 2 019
1315 Main St. • Oakley • 925-625-4600 2400 Devpar Ct. • Antioch • 925-757-2600 www.deltadogcamp.com Two Locations
For more information, email contacthalo@ yahoo.com or visit www.eccchalo.org.
Meet Honey
Honey is an approximately 7-year-old spayed female terrier mix. This sweet girl does not have any teeth but can eat both soft food and small hard kibble. She is an affectionate lap dog who would do well in a home with children 5 and older. For more information, please contact us at 925-473-4642.
ADOPT A PET ADOPT A PET
Meet Rosie
Rosie is a shy female kitten who was born Nov. 24, 2019. She does like to be held and shown attention once she is comfortable with you. For more information, please email verleneanddavid@ sbcglobal.net.
O A K L E Y
A Place For Pets
ONE FREE DOGGIE DAY CAMP or a FREE NAIL TRIM With one night paid stay. Must present coupon. New customers only. Expires 3-31-2020.
4071 Orwood Road - Brentwood • 925-634-4431 • www.petsfrolicinn.com
Send us your pet photos!
9 201 S I L V E R M E D A L AW ARD O AKLEY P RESS O A K L E Y
Oakley Veterinary Medical Center 4526 Main Street, Oakley • 625-3722 www.oakleyveterinary.com • Call us or visit our online pharmacy. • Medicine & surgery for dogs, cats and small exotic pets.
www.shearcanine.com (925) 306-0733 BRENTWOOD 6061 Lone Tree Way, Suite K Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturdays by appointment only NOW OPEN!
$5 OFF Main Grooming Service Cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one coupon per pet per visit.
