James F. Roberts & Associates

Most parents focus on passing assets to their children…
But what happens after they receive them?

This is where many families unintentionally leave their child’s inheritance exposed.

There’s a smarter way to plan.

An Asset Protection Trust can allow your child to manage their inheritance—while the trust remains the legal owner.

That distinction matters.

Because assets held personally may be vulnerable to:

--Divorce
--Lawsuits
--Creditors

A properly structured trust may help provide an added layer of protection.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated.

With the right structure (like a Beneficiary Deemed Owner Trust):

✔ Income may be reported on your child’s personal tax return
✔ In many cases, no separate trust tax return is required
✔ Administration can be simpler and more cost-effective

The goal isn’t just to pass wealth…
It’s to protect it—for the long term.

If you’re not sure whether your current plan includes this kind of protection, we’re happy to take a look.

Call (714) 282-7488 to schedule

Call now to connect with business.

When Your Child Turns 18, the Law Changes Overnight

Turning 18 is an exciting milestone for families. But many parents are surprised to learn that it also creates an important legal change.

At 18, your child becomes a legal adult. That means they have full control over their medical and financial decisions — even if they still live at home or remain on your health insurance.

Without the proper documents in place, parents may not be able to step in during an emergency.

For example, doctors may not be able to share medical information, and financial institutions may refuse to discuss accounts.

That’s why many families choose to put three simple documents in place when a child turns 18:

• Advance Health Care Directive
• HIPAA Authorization
• Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Matters

These documents allow your child to name someone they trust — often a parent — to help make medical or financial decisions if they are unable to do so themselves.

This planning isn’t about taking away independence. It’s simply about preparing for the unexpected and ensuring families can help when it matters most.

If you would like to learn more or schedule a planning meeting, please contact our office at 714-282-7488.

When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan?

Many families create a trust, sign the documents, and feel relieved knowing everything is taken care of.

But life doesn’t stand still.

Over time families grow, relationships change, homes are bought or sold, assets increase, and the law evolves. Because of this, even a very well-designed estate plan should be reviewed periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

You may want to consider reviewing your trust if:

• You’ve experienced a major life change (marriage, divorce, birth, death, remarriage, or a blended family)
• You’ve bought, sold, refinanced, or transferred real estate
• Your net worth has changed due to rising property values, investments, or business growth
• You’re unsure whether your trust still reflects your wishes
• You want to confirm your plan aligns with current California and federal planning strategies
• It has been more than 3–5 years since your trust was reviewed

One thing we often see is that the documents themselves are still solid — but the people named in them may no longer be the best fit.

Over time trustees, agents, or decision-makers may move away, experience health changes, or family dynamics may shift. Reviewing these roles can help prevent confusion, delays, or conflict later on.

As part of our long-term commitment to the families we serve, we offer complimentary trust review appointments with an attorney every three years.

If you would like to review your plan, please call our office at 714-282-7488.

Helping families maintain clarity and peace of mind is always our priority.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has stopped by our office to donate to Toys for Tots. Because of your generosity, this has become our most successful toy drive to date — and we are so grateful for the kindness our community continues to show each year.

There’s still time to make a difference! If you’d like to participate, we are accepting new, unwrapped toys at our office through this Thursday, December 11th.

Let’s keep the momentum going and help make this holiday season brighter for children in need. ✨

Thank you again for your incredible support!
– The Law Office of James F. Roberts & Associates

Give the gift of peace of mind this holiday season.

Call our office, at 714-282-7488, to pre-purchase an estate plan for the important people in your life, and we can send you a certificate to place under the tree. 🎁

It has become a tradition here at the Law Office of James F. Roberts & Associates to give a little something back, by hosting Toys For Tots, as an official drop-off location. Join us in spreading cheer, by bringing a new unwrapped toy to our office before Dec. 11th.

Big Changes Coming to Medi-Cal in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, California’s Medi-Cal asset-limit rules return — and families could lose coverage without proper planning.

Watch Attorney James Roberts explain what’s changing and how you can protect your assets, savings, and future:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLtYox5jNMA

Major Medi-Cal Law Change- Webinar The asset test returns in 2026, for Medi-Cal qualification. Attorney James F. Roberts discusses the new Medi-Cal law change, and the unique planning opportun...

Take advantage of our free webinar and unlock valuable estate planning knowledge