Kristal Trust Law

02/16/2026

THE 5-MINUTE ESTATE PLANNING STEP MOST PEOPLE MISS
Estate planning today includes digital planning.
Even when clients do everything right - set up a trust and update beneficiary designations - digital assets can still create unexpected problems.

With my colleagues, we just discussed a situation where a surviving spouse had to consider opening a probate solely to obtain a court order for access to an Apple account.

That’s a headache that is almost always preventable.
📱 Apple – Legacy Contact
https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631
📧 Google – Inactive Account Manager
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546
👤 Facebook – Legacy Contact
https://www.facebook.com/help/1506822589577997

It takes just a few minutes.

If the menu options look different, simply search:
“Digital legacy settings [platform name]” - platforms update their layouts frequently.

12/24/2025

Traditional / Seasonal greetings from your local estate planning attorney, wishing you
- a reasonably joyful end-of-year season,
- a generally satisfactory New Year,
- minimal paperwork,
- reliable fiduciaries,
- well-behaved beneficiaries, and
- a 2026 wish list that is both organized and enforceable.

If that list finally includes updating or creating your trust or will, you know where to find me.

11/27/2025

https://jlcards.com/T1t7EX

Please click the image to view your ecard!

09/22/2025

Medi-Cal Eligibility Warning: Asset Rules Change in 2026
⏳ If you currently qualify for Medi-Cal, be aware:
Starting January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will once again limit the value of countable assets - and apply penalties to certain transfers.
⏳ What You Should Know:
If your assets exceed the new limit (e.g., $130,000 for an individual, plus $65,000 per household member, up to 10 members),
And you don’t take action before December 31, 2025, you may lose your Medi-Cal eligibility in 2026.
🛑 Transfers made on or after Jan 1, 2026, could trigger a penalty and delay long-term care coverage.

Disclaimers:
- This is general information only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee Medi-Cal eligibility.
- The rules vary depending on the specific Medi-Cal program (e.g., long-term care, SSI-linked, MAGI vs. non-MAGI).
- Exempt property (such as your primary residence or one vehicle) typically does not count toward the asset limit.
- Medi-Cal eligibility is also based on income, immigration status, and other personal factors.
- This may change based on future guidance or legislation.
- Consult a qualified attorney or benefits advisor before making any transfers or decisions that could impact your eligibility.

📄 Learn More from Official Sources:
DHCS Asset Limit FAQs (State Website)
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal/Pages/Help/asset-limits-faqs.aspx
CANHR: 2026 Asset Rule FAQ
https://canhr.org/2026-asset-limit-reinstatement-frequently-asked-questions/

06/21/2025

I'm not an immigration lawyer, but lately I’ve been getting a lot of calls from people who need help with immigration issues - and can’t afford a lawyer.
While I can’t give legal advice, I can share some practical tips.

Local nonprofits can be a great resource, especially if you’re looking for a consultation or limited-scope legal help. Your local law library is also a smart place to start - many have excellent immigration resources ready to go.

One of the best examples I’ve seen is from the Alameda County Law Library. It’s especially helpful if you’re in the East Bay, but even if you're not, it might give you some ideas:
📍 https://lawlibrary.alamedacountyca.gov/immigration-resources/

If you're in San Francisco or San Mateo counties, check this out:
📍 https://a19.asmdc.org/ealert/san-francisco-san-mateo-county-immigration-resources

For Santa Clara County, start here:
📍 https://desj.santaclaracounty.gov/oir/resources/legal-help

And don’t forget - law libraries (and their librarians) are hidden gems. They can’t give legal advice, but they can help you find solid, reliable info that might save you time, money, and stress.

If you're looking for help with immigration stuff, the links and resources above will probably be more useful than I can be - I'm not an immigration lawyer, just trying to point people in the right direction.

When it makes sense to contact me: if you need help with powers of attorney, wills and trusts, or paperwork for care or decision-making for minor kids - that’s where I can actually help.
You can book a free 15-minute phone call with me here: https://www.kristaltrustlaw.com/consultation-potential-clients

04/06/2025

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ISSUES IN PROPERTY TITLE
TRANSFER

Confused about how property title transfers actually work? You're not alone.
I regularly hear from people who own property or are planning to buy or transfer it - and many have big misunderstandings about the basics.

If that sounds familiar, don’t miss this free online event on Thursday, April 24 at 12pm, hosted by the Alameda County Law Library.

My colleague WookSun Hong, an experienced attorney, will cover the essentials of titling and transferring property - including how different forms of ownership and timing can impact your rights and plans.

✅ Free to attend
✅ Virtual (join from anywhere!)
✅ Perfect for any property owner

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/common-questions-and-issues-in-property-title-transfer

I often speak on this topic as well - if you're interested in organizing a similar session for your group (12+ people, online or in person), feel free to reach out. Otherwise, take advantage of this great opportunity to learn from someone who really knows their stuff.

11/20/2024

Based on recent conversations with folks asking a few estate planning questions, I have to say - relying on hope really is a great way to avoid making plans!

Here’s my (absolutely not legal advice) take, courtesy of my professional deformation:
When it comes to kids and property, a little structure never hurts.

Disclaimer: This post isn’t legal advice, doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship, and sadly won’t make your kids behave or your property organize itself.

08/23/2024

TITLE CONCERNS? I often get calls about this, so I wanted to share a great event organized by a local law library. If you’re struggling to prove ownership or inherited a home with no paperwork, this free clinic is your chance to get expert help.

ASK A LAWYER: PROPERTY TITLE CLEARING CLINIC
Get help clearing your title. Free clinic to consult with a volunteer attorney one-on-one over Zoom or in-person. Advance registration required.
Thursday, September 19, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Check the first comment for a link to their flyer.

As an estate planning attorney, I can't stress enough the importance of checking your title during your lifetime - when you’re in control. And if you own real property in California, please, please consider setting up a living trust!

Photo by Stijn Dijkstra

01/25/2024

If you are a low-income landlord, register for this presentation:
Low-income Landlord Assistance: Move-Out Agreements Presentation
February 15th, 2024
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Free Zoom presentation by Legal Access Alameda Staff Attorney Bianca Torres
This presentation will help landlords in Alameda County understand their rights and duties when they are trying to negotiate a move-out agreement with a tenant. The presenter will spend time talking about Oakland agreements, which have special rules that must be followed, as well as minimum relocations costs that must be offered. Landlords can also get assistance via the Legal Access Alameda Low-income Landlord Callback Clinic.
Advance registration required for presentation, signup here

Please fill out this form to receive a zoom link.

12/30/2023

Dear clients and friends -

🥂 Cheers to a Prosperous and Well-Planned 2024!

May your assets grow, your liabilities shrink, and let's hope family debates are more about board game nights than who gets the vacation home!

And don't forget, topping your New Year's resolutions should be setting up or updating your trust. Remember, a good estate plan is like a great New Year’s resolution – start early and stick with it!

Back by popular demand: our classic 'Happy New Year from Your Lawyer' pic – an oldie but a goodie as we step into 2024!

11/18/2023

Landlord-Tenant Law is not my area of practice but if you are a Bay Area tenant facing an eviction lawsuit, watch this video
https://youtu.be/wWcyzM3lvFE?si=BrbtpmDK80y9-wL9
Local landlords may also find this presentation useful.

From August 31, 2023Program DescriptionThis participatory training focuses on what tenants and their advocates need to know about the eviction process in Ala...

10/07/2023

Estate Planning for your Apple account
Apple allows you to add a Legacy Contact to your account. This grants the designated person access in case something happens to you.
https://aclawlib.wordpress.com/2023/10/06/faq-friday-access-to-an-iphone-account/
Photo by Brad Pouncey on Unsplash