From Revocable Trusts to GRATs: Estate Planning Strategies Every Financial Planner Should Know

Estate planning remains one of the most valuable planning services we can help clients navigate, yet many advisors struggle to stay current on changing laws and advanced planning techniques. Join us for a practical discussion with two local experienced estate planning attorneys as we review both the fundamentals every planner should know and the sophisticated strategies used for high-net-worth clients – and when to use them.

The program will cover estate planning essentials, including the essential Living Trust ‘package’ and include an update on probate limits/considerations, gifting rules, estate tax exemptions, and key inheritance issues involving various investment/real estate assets.

We will also cover advanced estate planning strategies such as GRATs/CRUTs/CRATs/ CLUTs/ QPRTs, irrevocable trusts, and other wealth-transfer techniques. Rather than simply reviewing definitions, our panel will walk through real-world client examples to illustrate when these strategies may be appropriate and how planners can identify opportunities to collaborate with estate planning counsel.

Nicole Ramos Takemoto, Partner, Trusts and Estates, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, Candelaria LLP

Nicole Ramos Takemoto leads the estate planning and trust administration group at Candelaria LLP. Her experience includes preparing all types of estate planning documents for a diverse range of clients, as well as handling complex trust administration and probate matters. Nicole has a particular interest in counseling clients regarding separate property and community property issues, business succession planning, and California real property taxes.

Nicole obtained her J.D. from Golden Gate University, School of Law, where she was a merit scholarship recipient. She also obtained an LL.M. in Taxation with honors from Golden Gate University, School of Law. This advanced degree allows Nicole to design and implement sophisticated estate planning techniques, and to effectively identify and minimize gift, estate, and property tax issues. 

Nicole is an adjunct faculty member at San Francisco State University, College of Extended Learning where she teaches Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning in the Paralegal Studies program.

Alan D. Khalfin, Partner, Vaksman Khalfin, PC



Alan D. Khalfin, Esq. is the firm’s managing attorney and oversees its Trusts and Estates and Civil Litigation matters. He has significant experience in developing legal strategy, counseling clients in practical solutions, and building and managing legal teams.

Mr. Khalfin has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2013 and is a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association’s Estate Planning and Probate Panel.

He received his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law, holds a Bachelor of Arts form the University of California, Los Angeles, and attended the Cornell Law School Institute of International and Comparative Law in Paris, France. He has received The CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Technology Agreements as well as in Intellectual Property law.

Mr. Khalfin lives in Danville, CA with his wife and two kids. He is an avid musician and a big Warriors fan. He is a member of the Crystal Springs Uplands School Alumni Board.

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