{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"161: What\u2019s Yours, Mine, and Ours? Untangling Community vs. Separate Property in Estate Planning","description":" In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe is joined by the accomplished Ruth Koller Burke, Partner at Koller Herlihy LLP, whose 25+ years of experience span estate planning, trust administration, and probate litigation. Ruth\u2019s dual expertise as both an estate planner and litigator\u2014gained through years of representing Fortune 500 companies and managing high-stakes family dynamics\u2014brings an invaluable perspective to this discussion.   Together, Kirsten and Ruth dive deep into the complexities of community and separate property in estate planning. From clarifying what distinguishes assets owned before marriage from those accumulated together, to understanding the role of trusts and navigating pre- and post-nuptial agreements, they leave no stone unturned. Whether you\u2019re planning for a first marriage, a blended family, or any unique scenario, this episode offers actionable advice to help you safeguard your legacy and avoid future complications.   Time-stamped Show Notes:   0:00 Introduction 1:28 Meet Ruth Koller Burke and learn how her dual expertise as an estate planner and litigator provides unique advantages for estate planning clients. 3:15 What\u2019s the difference between community and separate property? Ruth and Kirsten explain these terms and why aligning estate planning with prenuptial or postnuptial agreements is critical. 5:20 How do prenuptial and postnuptial agreements influence estate planning? Get expert insights into how estate planners approach these agreements. 8:40 Second marriages and commingling assets can complicate estate planning\u2014hear a real-world example of how to handle these situations effectively. 10:28 Should married couples have separate trusts, a community trust, or a mix? Ruth and Kirsten delve into this key question and offer tailored solutions. 13:12 Protecting separate property from being unintentionally commingled is crucial\u2014press play for practical tips on keeping assets clearly defined. 16:38 Thank you, Ruth, for sharing your insights! Don\u2019t miss the next episode, where Kirsten and Ruth dive into estate planning horror stories and how to avoid them. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together  Visit https:\/\/absolutetrustcounsel.com\/scheduling\/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We\u2019d love for you to follow us if you haven\u2019t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We\u2019d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select \u201cRatings and Reviews\u201d and \u201cWrite a Review\u201d then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications\u2014from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com. ","author_name":"Absolute Trust Talk","author_url":"https:\/\/absolutetrustcounsel.com\/podcast","html":"