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Year-end Tax Saving Moves

By Desiree F. Rivera, Esq.

'Tis the season for savings! The end of the year is an important time to evaluate tax efficient gifting strategies and ensure your estate plan remains aligned with upcoming federal changes. With major shifts to the federal estate tax exemption scheduled for 2026, proactive planning before December 31, 2025, can provide meaningful long-term benefits.


Continue reading this article for an overview of key year-end planning opportunities and upcoming changes that may affect individuals, families, and business owners.

Desiree Rivera, Esq. focuses on estate planning, business planning, and trust administration, guiding clients through complex decisions with a highly personalized approach.

 
 

Closing a Seven-Year Interstate Trust Dispute

Legal team: David Huynh, Esq. and Dominic J. Rodono, Esq.

Recently, LSA favorably settled a dispute involving a multi-million-dollar trust. The complex litigation involved claims in Colorado, Nevada, and California. The case had dragged on for nearly seven years before coming to our office. Our client, the trustee, was accused of breach of fiduciary duty. The disputing beneficiary alleged he owed $786,000 to the trust because (they claimed) he had acted as trustee in bad faith.



Led by David Huynh, Esq. and Dominic J. Rodono, Esq., our team successfully challenged these unfounded claims. On the precipice of trial, our team was able to convince the parties to participate in mediation, and the result spoke for itself. Instead of the trustee paying nearly three-quarters of a million dollars, the parties agreed to revise the trust distributions slightly in favor of the disputing beneficiary. No surcharge. No crushing judgment. Just closure.

 

Our client was extremely pleased with the outcome. He told us that he had gone through years of litigation stress, but LSA quickly resolved his case in a way that lets him sleep at night. He said that he and his family can now move from the nightmare of ongoing litigation.

 

Recent Events

Leadership Appointments in OCBA Trust & Estates


Bryan K. Johnson, Esq. was recently sworn in as Chair of the Orange County Bar Association Trust & Estates Section for the 2026 term. Allison Gordon, Esq. has been appointed to serve on the Section’s Executive Board. The section meets regularly to provide continuing legal education, exchange knowledge, and create networking opportunities. Learn more.

A Conversation with JP Morgan on Fiduciary Risk


Christine Allen, Esq., Partner at Law Stein Anderson, recently joined J.P. Morgan and Trust Experience, Inc. for a luncheon discussion on risk management for professional fiduciaries. She shared insights on trust drafting pitfalls, trends in probate courts, and strategies for navigating high-conflict beneficiaries.

A Trip to Hawaii Tax Institute Annual Conference


Our team had a fun and productive time at the Hawaii Tax Institute Annual Conference. It was a great opportunity to connect with estate planning, wealth transfer, and tax professionals, share insights, and enjoy the island's beauty.

 
 

❆ Happy Holidays ❆

Here are a few moments from our year-end gathering at the office, where our team stepped away from their desks to celebrate another great year of client work and collaboration. From all of us at LSA, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a wonderful year ahead.