Trust Me

California Lawyers Association - Trusts & Estates
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Conversations brought to you by the Trusts and Estates Section of the California Lawyers Association..

  1. FEB 2

    New Rules for Non-Probate Transfers of Decedent’s Primary Residence

    This episode, hosted by Anna Soliman,  reviews the new petition process enacted under AB 2016 for a decedent’s primary residence valued up to  $750,000.  We will discuss the origin of the new law, the old rules, and the mechanics of the procedures.  About our guests, Judith Tang and Lisa B. Roper:  Judith Tang is the Co-Vice Chair of the Trusts and Estates Practice group at Fennemore.  Judith is a Director and the Co-Vice Chair of the Trusts and Estates Practice group at Fennemore. She has over 25 years of experience and a breadth of knowledge, providing comprehensive personalized estate planning and trust and estate administration services. Lisa B. Roper is a partner in the Estate and Trust Litigation Group and the Trust Administration and Probate Group at Henderson, Caverly and Pum LLP, where she advises clients in estate and trust controversies, estate and trust administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships.   Lisa and Judith are members of the Executive Committee of the Trust and Estates Section of the California Lawyers Association.   About Our Host: Anna Soliman is Special Counsel in Sheppard Mullin’s Los Angeles office, where she specializes in estate planning and trust administration for high-net-worth individuals. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Trust and Estates Section of the California Lawyers Association.   Thank you for listening to Trust Me! Trust Me is Produced by Foley Marra Studios Edited by Cat Hammons and Todd Gajdusek

    35 min

  2. JAN 3

    2025 Legislation: New Laws That Trusts and Estates Practitioners Should Know

    New laws were enacted in 2025 that will affect California trusts and estates practitioners on January 1, 2026. Join our three speakers, attorneys Kristin Yokomoto, Paul Gruwell, and Mara Mahana, on this episode as they summarize the highlights of the new laws and how they affect estate planning, trust administration, incapacity, litigation, and more. Look for an in-depth article on the new laws in an upcoming issue of the Trusts & Estates Quarterly. About Our Podcast Panel: Kristin Yokomoto is a partner at Baker & Hostetler LLP in the Orange County office. She practices in the areas of estate planning for high net worth clients, trust administration, probate, and fiduciary litigation. Kristin is a Member of the California Lawyers Association Trusts and Estates Executive Committee (TEXCOM) and The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). She is a Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law certified by the State Bar of California   Paul Gruwell is a civil litigation partner of Ragghianti Freitas LLP in San Rafeal.  He specializes in Trust and Estate Litigation and represents individuals, families, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations in all phases of disputes, including through contested evidentiary hearings, trials, and appeals. His practice in this area spans trust and will contests, fiduciary breach of duty, removal of trustees and executors, accounting disputes, probate disputes, surcharge actions, and fee disputes. Paul is a Member of TEXCOM.   Mara Mahana is a Wealth Strategist and Senior Director at Syon Capital LLC in San Francisco and formerly a practicing attorney for 20 years in the field of trusts and estates law working with high- and ultra-high net worth clients to review, develop, and consult on estate and wealth transfer plans, taking into consideration clients’ unique values, needs and circumstances. Mara is a Member of TEXCOM. Thank you for listening to Trust Me! Trust Me is Produced by Foley Marra Studios Edited by Cat Hammons and Todd Gajdusek

    54 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    Trusts as Shields and Swords – Community Property Interests in Third-Party and Self-Settled Trusts

    Host: Ben Schwefel Speaker: Anthony Lai This episode explores how community property interests are identified, asserted, and litigated in post-death trust and estate administrations. We break down the legal framework, common pressure points, and practical strategies for navigating disputes when ownership and control are anything but clear. Speaker Bio: Anthony Lai is a Senior Associate at Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein LLP in Pasadena and a Certified Family Law Specialist who represents clients in high-conflict family law matters, focusing on complex litigation with empathetic, client-centered advocacy.  Anthony represents individuals in all areas of family law, including dissolution of marriage, custody and visitation, division of assets, spousal and child support, and pre- and post-marital agreements. He serves as lead counsel in long-cause matters and trials, particularly those involving contested domestic violence restraining orders, fiduciary breach claims, and move-away hearings. Thank you for listening to Trust Me! Trust Me is Produced by Foley Marra Studios Edited by Cat Hammons and Todd Gajdusek

    30 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    When Beneficiaries Don’t See Eye to Eye: Post-Death Real Estate Disputes

    What happens when beneficiaries disagree about the family home or other inherited real estate? In this episode, guest, James Ulwelling and host, Ben Schwefel, will discuss partition actions, co-ownership conflicts, lis pendens (notice of pendency of action), and practical strategies for resolving real property disputes that arise in trust and estate administrations. About our guest: James Ulwelling practices in the areas of real estate litigation, real estate transactions, community association (HOA) law, business law and general civil litigation. James has served as lead trial counsel in numerous lawsuits and arbitrations over the years, where he has exhibited skills in courtroom strategy, critical analysis and sophisticated advocacy. James, who has over 25 years of legal experience, is a former partner at Morris Polich and Purdy, LLP (now Clark Hill PLC) and Ulwelling | Siddiqui LLP. James is actively engaged with professional groups serving the real estate, community association and business communities. He is a member of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of California and the Community Associations Institute. He is a featured speaker for groups such as the Community Associations Institute, Chapman University School of Law, the Orange County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Employer Advisory Council of Orange County, and numerous commercial and residential real estate brokerages. He has served on the Publications Committee and Mediation Committee for the Community Associations Institute. James has been published in periodicals and trade journals such as California Law Business, The Law Journal and OC View. Thank you for listening to Trust Me! Trust Me is Produced by Foley Marra Studios Edited by Cat Hammons and Todd Gajdusek

    44 min

  5. 09/04/2025

    One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and Current Landscape of Estate Planning

    In this episode, guests Jonathan Blattmachr and Martin Shenkman share their thoughts on key OBBBA provisions and the Act’s impact on estate and tax planning with host Kristin Yokomoto. Planning considerations include use of non-grantor trusts for charitable planning, basis-focused income tax planning, and more. They will also discuss the benefits of reviewing existing SLATs and other irrevocable trusts, as well as the importance of preparing customized estate plans that address family dynamics to minimize the chances of litigation.  Host: Kristin Yokomoto Guests: Jonathan G. Blattmachr and Martin M. Shenkman Jonathan G. Blattmachr is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of Interactive Legal, and Co-Author of Wealth Transfer Planning™. He is a principal in ILS Management, LLC and a retired member of Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP in New York, NY and of the Alaska, California and New York Bars. He has written and lectured extensively on estate and trust taxation and charitable giving. Jonathan graduated from Columbia University School of Law cum laude, where he was recognized as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, and received his A.B. degree from Bucknell University, majoring in mathematics. He has served as a lecturer-in-law of the Columbia University School of Law and is an Adjunct Professor of Law at New York University Law School in its Masters in Tax Program (LLM). He is a former chairperson of the Trusts & Estates Law Section of the New York State Bar Association and of several committees of the American Bar Association. Jonathan is a Fellow and a former Regent of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and past chair of its Estate and Gift Tax Committee. He is author or co-author of eight books and more than 500 articles on estate planning and tax topics.  Martin M. Shenkman, CPA, MBA, PFS, AEP (distinguished), JD, is an attorney in private practice in Fort Lee, New Jersey and New York City. He is the founder of Shenkman Law, a boutique firm focused on the legal needs of high-net-worth individuals, professionals, close business owners, and real estate owners and developers. Martin’s practice includes estate and tax planning, planning for closely held businesses, and estate administration. He is the author of 42 books and more than 1,000 articles. Martin is an Editorial Board Member of Trusts & Estates Magazine, CCH (Wolter’s Kluwer), and the Matrimonial Strategist. He has previously served on the editorial board of many other tax, estate and real estate publications. Martin earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wharton School with concentrations in accounting and economics, MBA from the University of Michigan with concentrations in tax and finance, and law degree from Fordham University School of Law. He is admitted to the bar in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. and is a licensed CPA in New Jersey, Michigan, and New York.   Click here to listen to Interactive Legal’s 4-Part webinar series on OBBBA - https://interactivelegal.com/big-beautiful-bill/ Thank you for listening to Trust Me! Trust Me is Produced by Foley Marra Studios Edited by Cat Hammons and Todd Gajdusek

    55 min

  6. 08/26/2025

    What TEXCOM Does and How You Can Become Involved

    Listen to host Kristin Yokomoto discuss various aspects of the CLA Trusts and Estates Section Executive Committee (TEXCOM) with guests Matthew McMurtrey and Ryka Farotte.  Learn about how TEXCOM monitors all California bills, some of which become law that impact our trusts and estates practice. We discuss Matt’s 11-year term on TEXCOM and Ryka’s 6-year term, their leadership roles, and some of the contributions they have made to the CLA Trusts and Estates Section and the community. Learn more about the focus of TEXCOM’s Legislation, Estate Planning, Incapacity, Trust Administration, and Litigation Committees and how you can become involved. Our Speakers: Matthew McMurtrey is the managing partner at Sacks, Glazier, Franklin, Lodise, McMurtrey & Scheerer, LLP in Los Angeles. Matt is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, the California Lawyer’s Association Trusts and Estates Section 2021-22 Chair of the Executive Committee (TEXCOM), and a former Chair of TEXCOM’s Litigation Subcommittee.  Ryka Farotte is a research attorney in the Probate Department of the Los Angeles Superior Court. He is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the California Lawyer Association’s Trusts and Estates Section (TEXCOM) where he serves as Chair of the Incapacity Subcommittee.   Thank you for listening to Trust Me! Trust Me is Produced by Foley Marra Studios Edited by Cat Hammons and Todd Gajdusek

    39 min

  7. 08/22/2025

    How to Prepare for the 2025 CSB Legal Specialization Examination in Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate Law

    Listen to TEXCOM Members Kim McGhee, Ben Schwefel, Jadene Tamura, and Kristin Yokomoto discuss the benefits of becoming a Certified Legal Specialist and the five TEXCOM modules making up the Exam and You preparation course.  The speakers will cover examination tips and briefly describe the examination topics, including professional responsibility, estate, gift, and tax planning through the use of revocable and irrevocable trusts, trust administration, accountings, probate law, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, incapacity, elder law and abuse, conservatorships, and trust and estate litigation. The Exam and You webinars discuss the five areas listed by the State Bar of California that may be on the examination, which is scheduled for October 30, 2025.  To purchase a Session or bundle of 5 Sessions of The Exam and You, click here – https://calawyers.org/trusts-and-estates/exam-and-you-estate-planning-through-administration-and-litigation/  Speakers:  Kimberly R. McGhee is the principal attorney at Black & McGhee, A Professional Law Corporation. She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, V.A. Certified Accredited Attorney, and member of the California Lawyers Association, Trusts and Estates Executive Committee (TEXCOM). She is licensed in California and Nevada.  Ben Schwefel is a Partner at Murtaugh Treglia Stern & Deily LLP and is a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate law by the State Bar of California. Ben's practice focuses on estate planning, trust administration, probate administration, and trust litigation. Ben is a member of the Executive Committee of the Trust and Estates Section of the California Lawyers Association (TEXCOM) and the Orange County Bar Association Trusts & Estates Section.  Jadene Tamura is a shareholder and co-chair of the Trusts & Estates Dept. at Parker Milliken Clark O’Hara & Samuelian, APC. Her practice includes all aspects of trusts and estates with an emphasis on estate planning and administration. She is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California, and a member of the Executive Committee of the CLA Trust and Estate Section (TEXCOM).  Kristin Yokomoto is a partner at Baker & Hostetler LLP in Costa Mesa, California. She practices in the areas of estate planning for high net worth clients and trust administration. Kristin is a Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law certified by the State Bar of California. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and Executive Committee Member of the CLA Trust and Estate Section (TEXCOM). Thank you for listening to Trust Me! Trust Me is Produced by Foley Marra Studios Edited by Cat Hammons and Todd Gajdusek

    32 min

  8. 07/28/2025

    King Lear: An Estate Planning Tragedy

    In this episode of Trust Me! we will be discussing King Lear, the Shakespearean tragedy, and the fallout from an estate plan gone wrong. Our Guest Ralph Hughes is a founding shareholder of Hughes & Pizzuto, A P.C. where he practices in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust Law, Probate Litigation, Trust Litigation, Will Contests, Mediation in related fields.  Ralph has been a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law for more than 25 years.  He is a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a former member of the California Lawyers Association Trusts and Estates Executive Committee (TEXCOM).   Our Host Anne M. Rudolph is a shareholder at Hughes & Pizzuto, APC. Her practice is limited to trust and probate administration, related litigation and appeals. She received her J.D. with highest honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Anne is a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law and a member of CLA’s Trusts and Estates Executive Committee (TEXCOM). Thank you for listening to Trust Me! Trust Me is Produced by Foley Marra Studios Edited by Cat Hammons and Todd Gajdusek

    27 min
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4.9
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34 Ratings

About

Conversations brought to you by the Trusts and Estates Section of the California Lawyers Association..

Information

  • Creator
    California Lawyers Association - Trusts & Estates
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Trust Me
  • Show Website
    Trust Me

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