In this episode of Legacy Protected, DeDe Soto breaks down one of the most important estate planning issues facing Southern California families: how to transfer high-value real estate without triggering unnecessary taxes. With property values soaring across Orange County, understanding step-up in basis, capital gains, Prop 13, and Prop 19 is critical—especially for seniors concerned about Medicaid planning, nursing home costs, and long-term asset protection.

DeDe explains common mistakes, like adding a child to the deed, and why that "simple" move can create serious tax consequences. She also outlines how revocable trusts, proper title strategy, and community property rules can help families avoid probate while preserving generational wealth.

If you own California real estate and want to protect what you've built, this episode offers clear, practical guidance.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why skyrocketing Orange County real estate values change the estate planning conversation
• Step up in basis and the capital gains consequences of gifting property during life
• Prop 13 protections and when property tax reassessment is triggered
• How Prop 19 limits parent to child transfers to a primary residence
• The risks of adding a child to the deed and exposing the home to liability
• Community property versus joint tenancy and why title strategy matters
• Using revocable trusts and LLCs to avoid probate and strengthen asset protection

Resources from this Episode

https://www.thesotolawgroup.com/contact-us-newport-beach-lawyers

Phone: 949-629-4569

Address:

The Soto Law Group
4041 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite #200
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now, but how much can you really trust it when legal decisions are on the line? In this episode of Legacy Protected, host DeDe Soto sits down with attorney Shanda Beach of Beach Law Group to unpack the real-world pros and pitfalls of using AI in probate, estate planning, and legal practice. Together, they explore how AI can save time and money when used correctly—and how it can create serious problems when relied on blindly.

Shanda shares firsthand examples from litigation and probate matters, explaining why AI "hallucinations," do-it-yourself legal tools, and generic contracts often lead to costly disputes. The conversation highlights why experience, judgment, and proper legal guidance still matter.

If you're considering AI tools or DIY documents for important legal decisions, this episode offers a clear reality check—and practical advice to protect yourself and your legacy.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How AI is currently being used in probate and legal practices
• The risk of AI hallucinations in legal documents and court filings
• Why do-it-yourself wills and trusts often fail when challenged
• Real probate and litigation examples caused by DIY legal mistakes
• The importance of legal judgment, experience, and verification
• Common contract and signing errors that create personal liability

Resources from this Episode

https://www.thesotolawgroup.com/contact-us-newport-beach-lawyers

Phone: 949-629-4569

Address:

The Soto Law Group
4041 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite #200
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Legacy Protected, host DeDe Soto explores what really happens when probate and trust disputes collide with high-stakes business litigation. Joined by Shanda Beach, founder of a Newport Beach business litigation boutique, the conversation pulls back the curtain on how contentious family and shareholder disputes unfold behind the scenes. Together, they break down why settlement is often harder than it looks, how strategy evolves over time, and what forces actually bring opposing parties to the table.

Shanda draws on decades of experience—from large international firms to her own practice—to explain discovery, depositions, and the realities of litigating complex matters involving business valuations, fiduciary duties, and family conflict. She shares candid insight into the emotional and financial calculus that drives litigation decisions, and why there's rarely such a thing as "trial by surprise."

If you're facing a probate or trust dispute with business entanglements, this episode offers practical clarity on what to expect—and how to protect your position.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How business litigation intersects with probate and trust disputes
• High-conflict family and shareholder disputes involving closely held businesses
• When settlement makes sense and when litigation pressure is necessary
• Discovery explained including written discovery and depositions
• Time, cost, and emotional realities of prolonged litigation
• Why courts and attorneys see through "hiding the ball" strategies

Resources from this Episode

https://www.thesotolawgroup.com/contact-us-newport-beach-lawyers

Phone: 949-629-4569

Address:

The Soto Law Group
4041 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite #200
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.