Video Gallery

It’s a huge number—one trillion dollars worth of fine art is expected to pass from Boomers to their beneficiaries in the Great Wealth Transfer. But, like your grandma’s spoon collection, those beneficiaries may not want it. So what are the options then? You’ll want to do your homework, especially if you’re a trustee or an executor and not let something go too cheap—I have the story of someone who found a piece of art worth 7 figures for only $40 at one of my favorite thrift stores, Angel View in the desert. You can also donate it, but there are some deduction limits to be aware of.

One trillion dollars of art in the Great Wealth Transfer

2:51

A will isn’t good enough, despite what Dave Ramsey tells you.

YouTube Video VVVLazBDSDEwTV9ESG9vQVJIcWN1ODVnLk1rRjM5N3JLb09B

A will isn’t good enough, despite what Dave Ramsey tells you.

Why do I need a lawyer to put my trust together? “There are so many cheaper do-it-yourself alternatives out there and it’s all boilerplate anyway.” I hear that a lot, and because I’ve been doing this for 31 years, I know there are people out there who could never be convinced to use a lawyer to prepare their documents, but I do want to talk to those who may be on the fence, because there are so many ways I’ve seen the do-it-yourself plans fail, and even fail catastrophically. If they can be fixed, that fix is going to cost a whole lot more than the money saved and almost always has to take place in probate court. Even money guru Dave Ramsey who advertises Mama Bear legal forms, tells people to use an attorney if they’ve got actual assets.

5:10

Can’t I just do my living trust myself? Yes, but here’s why I recommend against it.

YouTube Video VVVLazBDSDEwTV9ESG9vQVJIcWN1ODVnLjJPNF9tS3hURDNV

Can’t I just do my living trust myself? Yes, but here’s why I recommend against it.

More from the infamous Highway 74 in Palm Desert! This time it’s a foreclosed mansion in Bighorn Golf Club on that street, and an inheritance of several million dollars that was fabulous for a short time, and now is gone. Thanks to Jinjara Mitchell, who tells her family’s story on Tiktok (@jinjaramitchell) and Instagram (@jinjara). I spent a lot of my youth at Palm Desert’s Sandpiper condos, which are Highway 74 adjacent and equally amazing but far less costly than Bighorn Golf Club, so I’m always eager to highlight more Highway 74 stories. And let’s talk about how to preserve your family’s wealth for generations with the right estate plan. #palmstopineshighway

2:56

More lore from Highway 74.

YouTube Video VVVLazBDSDEwTV9ESG9vQVJIcWN1ODVnLmEyZy02M3E0eTBR

More lore from Highway 74.

More Palm Springs true crime! This case involves an unsolved homicide from 1980. The case went cold after police couldn’t identify the victim, and she wasn’t identified until just two years ago. And it’s another case of bad things happening off Highway 74. Be careful out there. Report any tips to coldcaseunit@rivcoda.org or (951) 955-0070.

2:02

Palm Springs true crime story

YouTube Video VVVLazBDSDEwTV9ESG9vQVJIcWN1ODVnLjBndHNWbHZicG9v

Palm Springs true crime story

Clients asked me how to find assets when they find themselves in the role of executor or trustee. There’s no easy way, but sifting through old records, tax returns and mail help. It’s not easy tracking down investment accounts, bank accounts, old stock certificates and insurance policies. And a new company called Sunset (hellosunset.com) is aiming to make the process easier – let’s hope they succeed. They may need to change their marketing, though—is the similarity to my favorite California lifestyle magazine just a coincidence?

3:02

Finding lost assets in a probate or trust administration

YouTube Video VVVLazBDSDEwTV9ESG9vQVJIcWN1ODVnLkV1TFcxZEVyYjhZ

Finding lost assets in a probate or trust administration

How many of us are inheriting a lot in California City? Or maybe something in Trona? Or even an unbuildable sliver of hillside in Los Angeles? If you’re inheriting real estate worth less than $61,500 in California, there’s a simplified process to do that. And yes, there are still properties out there worth less than that.

2:46

The simplified probate process for California real estate worth less than $61,500

YouTube Video VVVLazBDSDEwTV9ESG9vQVJIcWN1ODVnLnNTT19NSzRxcFFB

The simplified probate process for California real estate worth less than $61,500

2:52

When trustees are behaving badly—do they owe you an accounting?

YouTube Video VVVLazBDSDEwTV9ESG9vQVJIcWN1ODVnLmJ0WGcxTDJGU3BR

When trustees are behaving badly—do they owe you an accounting?

Secrets of the ultra-wealthy: gift trusts. Set up your family for generations! Don’t pay taxes! You’re missing out! Maybe. If your wealth is more than $15 million, it may make sense—otherwise, your beneficiaries may pay MORE in taxes. And don’t give away too much, as you can’t get it back.

2:52

More secrets of the ultra-wealthy! When do gift trusts make sense?

YouTube Video VVVLazBDSDEwTV9ESG9vQVJIcWN1ODVnLjh5YnhSTVFmRUpZ

More secrets of the ultra-wealthy! When do gift trusts make sense?

CHRISTOPHER B. JOHNSON
ATTORNEY AT LAW
(888) 838-8771

Christopher B Johnson

Recent Posts

When a Young Child is Involved, A Trust Can Be Critically Important

Give Up Control of Your Assets? If You Want An Irrevocable Trust, That’s What You Have to Do

Trusts, Dynasty Trusts, and Helping Your Descendants

Attorney Advertising

CHRISTOPHER B. JOHNSON ATTORNEY AT LAW (888) 838-8771

Video Gallery

Christopher B Johnson

Recent Posts

When a Young Child is Involved, A Trust Can Be Critically Important

Give Up Control of Your Assets? If You Want An Irrevocable Trust, That’s What You Have to Do

Trusts, Dynasty Trusts, and Helping Your Descendants

Attorney Advertising

<img width="54" height="54" decoding="async" src="/wp-content/themes/christopherbjohnson/images/cbj-small.png" title="Christopher B Johnson" alt="Photo of Christopher B Johnson" />Let’s make a plan

Contact Our Team

Law Offices of Christopher B. Johnson

Wills, Trusts, and Probate

CHRISTOPHER B. JOHNSON
ATTORNEY AT LAW
(888) 838-8771

Let’s make a plan