🌞 Summer Estate Planning eNews

Welcome to the Summer Edition of

Botti & Morison Estate Planning eNews!

As the summer sun brings warmth and renewal, we are excited to share the latest updates and insights from Botti & Morison Estate Planning Attorneys. This season, our focus is on the critical and often complex topic of Estate Planning Litigation. Whether you're navigating disputes over wills, trusts, or other estate matters, understanding the landscape of estate litigation is essential to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored.

In this edition, we delve into key aspects of estate planning litigation, offering expert advice and strategies to help you avoid common pitfalls and effectively manage any conflicts that may arise. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard your estate.

We are also thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team, Jolene Lewis, an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in litigation. Jolene brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in handling complex estate disputes. Her expertise and dedication make her a valuable asset to our firm and, most importantly, to you, our clients.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of estate planning litigation and extend a warm welcome to Jolene Lewis. We're committed to providing you with the highest level of service and guidance, ensuring your estate planning needs are met with confidence and clarity.

Warm regards,

The Botti & Morison Estate Planning Attorneys Team

and securing your family's future!

Welcome Jolene Lewis!

We are delighted to introduce B. Jolene Lewis, the newest member of the Botti & Morison team. Jolene joins us with a distinguished background as a seasoned legal professional and brings extensive litigation experience to our practice. Her remarkable career as a Senior Deputy Public Defender in Ventura County, spanning over 15 years and litigating more than 50 trials, has equipped her with unparalleled expertise and a deep commitment to justice. Her excellent communication and negotiation skills and her deep knowledge of current laws have distinguished her in the field.

Witnessing firsthand the challenges that arise without proper estate planning, Jolene has shifted her focus to providing legal counsel in all aspects of probate and trust administration, litigation, and estate planning. Her experience as an attorney and her significant background in litigation allow her to understand the emotional and practical difficulties families face during the estate planning process. She is committed to assisting each client with compassion and tailored legal advice to meet their unique needs.

Jolene is licensed to practice in California and has a strong educational background. She holds a Juris Doctorate from George Mason University School of Law and a Master of Public Administration from Cal State Northridge. Her undergraduate degree in English Literature from the University of Arizona, along with her legal education and professional experience, equips her with a comprehensive skill set to effectively counsel clients in estate planning matters.

Beyond her legal career, Jolene enjoys indie and folk music, playing several instruments, and attending music festivals. She is an avid traveler and enjoys home renovation projects, classic literature, writing, and gardening. Jolene’s diverse interests and commitment to her clients make her a valuable addition to the Botti & Morison probate and trust administration and litigation department.

We are thrilled to have Jolene join our firm and look forward to the exceptional service and expertise she will bring to our clients. Please join us in welcoming Jolene Lewis to the Botti & Morison family.

New Blog Posts

Understanding the New Rules for Inherited Retirement Accounts

As of the recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruling finalized on July 18, 2024, heirs of retirement accounts now face new withdrawal requirements that could impact their financial planning and tax obligations. In the past, beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts, such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s, had the advantage of stretching out withdrawals over their lifetimes.

Upcoming Workshops

The next live estate planning workshops will be held in Camarillo,

Valencia, and Simi Valley CA.

Perhaps you, a family member, or a friend would benefit from attending.

Here are the locations, dates, and times for our next set of workshops:

Upcoming Estate Planning Workshops

Hampton Inn & Suites - Camarillo

50 W. Daily Drive

Camarillo, CA 93010

Tuesday, Sept. 17th, 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon - or-

Tuesday, Sept. 17th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - or -

Saturday, Sept. 21st, 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon - or-

Wednesday, Sept. 25th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn - Valencia

27710 The Old Road

Valencia, CA 91355

Wednesday, 10/16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon – OR –

Wednesday, 10/16, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. – OR –

Saturday, 10/19, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon – OR –

Tuesday, 10/22, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott - Simi Valley

191 Cochran Street

Simi Valley, CA 93065

Tuesday, 11/5, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon – OR –

Tuesday, 11/5, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. – OR –

Saturday, 11/9, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon – OR –

Wednesday, 11/13, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Note that we will be available to answer individual questions at the conclusion of the presentation; therefore, please allow for additional time.

To register, please click here or feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested in attending. Seating is limited.

Estate Planning F.A.Q.s

Q. What if I fail to amend my Will after I have another child, get married, or divorced?

A. A California Probate Court may decide guardianship of your new child. If you get married, the California Probate Code would likely modify your plan of distribution to account for the community property rights of your spouse. It is critical that your Will is updated to reflect the changes in your life. Otherwise, your wishes may not be followed.

Do you have any estate-planning-related questions?

If so, please send them to us, and we'll be happy to answer them in our eNews.