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Michael Lonich

About Michael Lonich

Specializing in Divorce and Estate Planning, I am San Jose Attorney, Michael E. Lonich; and I have been battling for client’s rights for nearly 40 years. When focusing on divorce, child custody, and related matters, I know all too well the emotional and financial toll divorce has on clients. Integrity, common sense, and a passion for what I do which guarantee the best possible results for my clients. Resolution of family law issues requires an attorney able to navigate the myriad legal and emotional issues presented in cases. Financial issues, child custody, domestic violence, valuation of property, analysis of RSUs, hidden assets, spousal and child support, all may require trial, mediation, or a collaborative effort with the parties. Regardless, each client gets the individualized attention they require. Every family law case is unique, we partner with you to develop a comprehensive approach to get the best results.

Entries by Michael Lonich

The Surprising Tax Benefits of Holding Title as Community Property with Right of Survivorship

May 30, 2014 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

A married couple in California can hold title to their real property in various forms. Historically, many couples took title in joint tenancy without first consulting with an attorney, merely because their real estate agent would suggest it. However, the way that a couple holds title to an asset can have significant consequences in the […]

A Cautionary Tale of Fill-in-the-Blank Wills: Not So E-Z After All

April 9, 2014 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

Online platforms like Legal Zoom and Rocket Lawyer, as well as form wills marketed by companies like E-Z Legal Forms, are gaining popularity in the estate planning world. However, a recent Florida decision* serves as a fresh reminder that using one of these one-size-fits all approaches to estate planning could land your family in court […]

Trust Administration: The Basics

April 3, 2014 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

Trust administration is the process used to ensure that a trustee complies with California law and is carrying out the mandates of the trust as written. For example, a common task in trust administration is ensuring that the title to assets held in the trust is properly transferred. Trust administration also includes the process by […]

Estate Tax Portability: A Valuable Asset You May Not Know You Had

March 27, 2014 in Estate Planning, Probate /by Michael Lonich

Have you heard about the “portability provision?” Believe it or not, your estate (or your spouse’s estate, if you were to pass first) could benefit tremendously if the executor of your estate elects this provision. In short, the portability election allows the transfer of any unused estate tax exclusion amount of the first spouse to […]

Elder Abuse: Protect Your Loved Ones From Financial Exploitation

March 24, 2014 in Estate Planning, Probate /by Michael Lonich

Financial exploitation of the elderly is a growing – and mostly silent – epidemic in our country. In fact, one study estimates the amount lost by exploited seniors to be nearly $5 billion every year. One prime example occurred in 2007, when renowned New York society queen and philanthropist Brooke Astor left behind a coveted […]

The Disclaimer: An Arrow in the Savvy Planner’s Quiver

March 21, 2014 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

We won’t all be lucky enough to inherit a large sum of money upon the death of a loved one. But, if you do, you may want to consider disclaiming that inheritance under special circumstances.  When you disclaim an inheritance, you are refusing to accept it. Some of you reading this are probably thinking, “You’ve […]

Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Will (Part 2): More Than Just Nickels and Dimes

March 7, 2014 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

This is the second part of our series examining Philip Seymour Hoffman’s estate plan. In the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s untimely death, his estate planning documents have given us some insight into the actor and father of three. Hoffman’s estate plan was executed in 2004 and his will included some unique requests.* Hoffman requested […]

Philip Hoffman’s Will: What Should He Have Changed?

February 27, 2014 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

In a previous blog, we stressed the importance of updating your estate planning documents as your life changes. Using actor Paul Walker as an example, we explained how he made many excellent estate planning decisions during his young life. Yet, his estate plan still had substantial shortcomings due to a failure to update. Likewise, actor […]

What is Probate and Why Should I Avoid It?

February 21, 2014 in Estate Planning, Probate /by Michael Lonich

Probate is a court process that is known for being time-consuming and expensive. It is also a public process that makes personal information about your assets and debts part of the public record. If you die without a will, the probate process can be a nightmare for your family. However, even if you have a well-written will, the […]

How to Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business

February 20, 2014 in Business Law, Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

Family businesses are often the pride and joy of the entrepreneurs who created them – especially if the business has flourished and has been passed down for multiple generations. However, no matter how successful a company is or how many generations it has survived, conflicts can significantly undermine the company’s continued success. Some of the […]

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1871 The Alameda, Suite 400, San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: (408) 553-0801 | Fax: (408) 553-0807 | Email: contact@lpeplaw.com

LONICH PATTON EHRLICH POLICASTRI

Phone: (408) 553-0801
Fax: (408) 553-0807
Email: contact@lpeplaw.com

1871 The Alameda, Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95126

Located in San Jose, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri handles matters for clients in northern California, specifically San Jose and Silicon Valley. Our services are available to anyone within the following counties: Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and San Francisco. For a full listing of areas where we practice, please click here.

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