News & Articles

  • A professional CPA discussing types of fiduciaries with the elderly couple in California

    Types of Fiduciaries: Trustee, Power of Attorney, Guardian—What’s the Difference?

    In estate planning and elder care, it's important to understand the different types of fiduciaries—who they are, what they do, and when they are

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  • fiduciary advisor in California explaining to senior couple what is a fiduciary and how it can help them

    What Is a Fiduciary and Why Do Seniors Need One?

    Our financial and legal responsibilities don't go away as we age—they often become more complex. From managing retirement accounts and real estate to ensuring bills

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  • estate accountant explaining to the senior couple about the new AB 2016 guidelines

    Navigating Trust Needs in 2025: Understanding California’s New AB 2016 Guidelines

    Planning ahead created peace of mind. As of April 1, 2025, California raised the estate value threshold for residents needing a trust. You no longer

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  • Elderly couple reviewing trust documents to protect assets from nursing home costs

    How to Protect Your Assets from a Nursing Home with a Trust

    As healthcare costs rise, more families are thinking ahead about long-term care and how it might impact their financial security. Nursing home expenses can be

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  • Senior woman and adult daughter reviewing trust documents on the table

    Trust Beneficiary Rights in California: Know What You’re Owed

    Managing a trust, especially after the death of a loved one, can create tension, questions, and confusion. Trust beneficiary rights in California are often misunderstood,

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  • Ensuring Accuracy in Probate, Trust, and Estate Accountings

    Handling probate, trust, or estate accountings can be complex, and even minor errors can lead to legal disputes or court rejections. Learn how proper court

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  • Building Partnerships and Growing Together- My Journey at Smith Marion

    Building Partnerships and Growing Together: My Journey at Smith Marion

    Hi, my name is Shona Rodman, and I’m an Executive Assistant at Smith Marion. I joined the firm in 2020, right in the middle

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  • Meet the Experts- Marcia Campbell

    Meet the Experts: Marcia Campbell

    Hi, I'm Marcia Campbell, and I'm a CPA. I've been doing this for a long time and love it. But let me tell you,

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  • Meeting the experts: Hannah Baldwin

    My Growth at Smith Marion Hello, I'm Hannah Baldwin, and I've proudly been with Smith Marion since 2013. I am the Director of

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  • Trust Accounting- Expert Guidance for Smooth Settlements

    Trust Accounting: Expert Guidance for Smooth Settlements

    When dealing with trust, estate, or probate accountings, it is crucial to follow the correct processes to ensure transparency and avoid disputes. My

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  • Meeting the Experts- Peter Wesch

    Meeting the Experts: Peter Wesch

    I'm Pete Wesch, a shareholder and the tax principal at Smith Marion & Company, where I've proudly served for 17 years. Our firm

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  • Listening and Learning for Client Success

    Listening and Learning for Client Success

    At Smith Marion, we understand that value comes from a deep understanding of our clients' needs. Hannah Baldwin, the Director of Consulting Advisory

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