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Absolute Trust Talk

Kirsten Howe: Attorney and podcaster

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Absolute Trust Talk is your navigational compass that brings together the business of trusts, estate planning, and aging – your home base to find the knowledge you’re seeking on what lies ahead. With over 27 years of experience, Kirsten has seen her fair share of clients confused and overwhelmed with the complexity of estate planning and the challenges and obstacles that life can throw your way. On a mission to take her vast expertise and experience to a new level, Absolute Trust Talk host K ...
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In this second installment of Absolute Trust Talk's international estate planning series, host Kirsten Howe welcomes back estate planning specialist Janet Brewer to explore advanced strategies for families with cross-border connections. Building on their previous discussion of guardianship challenges, this episode focuses on critical tax considerat…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes estate planning specialist Janet Brewer to explore the unique challenges faced by immigrants and international families when planning for their future. Janet, with over 30 years of experience serving clients throughout Silicon Valley, brings her vast knowledge to address the specifi…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their discussion on estate planning during divorce proceedings with practical solutions. Following their previous episode on the potential problems that can arise if someone becomes incapacitated or dies during divorce, they now focus on preven…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert discuss critical estate planning considerations during divorce proceedings. They explore what happens if someone becomes incapacitated or dies while their divorce is still pending, revealing potentially unwelcome consequences if proper planning isn't in…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe examines the estate complications following Richard Simmons' death in July 2023. She details the ongoing legal dispute between Simmons' brother Leonard (named trustee) and Teresa, his housekeeper of 30 years who briefly served as co-trustee before a contested resignation. The conflict center…
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In this all-new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and her associates, Jessica Colbert and Ariana Flynn, delve into the complex estate battle surrounding the late San Diego Padres owner, Peter Seidler. The MLB team finds itself at the center of a legal dispute as Seidler's wife, Sheel, contends with his brothers over control of the franch…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe, managing attorney at Absolute Trust Counsel, and associate attorney Jessica Colbert examine the estate of beloved actor Gene Hackman. They meticulously analyze the available court records from Santa Fe County, New Mexico, and contrast them with California's probate procedures. The attorneys skil…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe continues her valuation discussion with expert Alex Spaete from Bridge Forensic CPAs, exploring the intricacies of asset valuation. The discussion focuses on how privately held assets are valued, particularly examining discount factors applied to LLC interests based on control limitations an…
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In this insightful episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes Alex Spaete, a valuation expert and partner with Bridge Forensic CPAs. In part one of their discussion, Kirsten and Alex explore the complex world of asset valuation, particularly focusing on closely held businesses and real estate holding partnerships. Alex explains why …
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes real estate expert Nathan Jines from Jines Real Estate Group, Keller Williams, to discuss the complexities of selling real estate in a probate or trust administration. When a homeowner passes away, managing the sale of their property presents unique challenges, from family dynamics …
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Few things are as nerve-wracking as receiving an IRS audit notice—but how do audits really work, and what can you do to protect yourself? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe sits down with Anthony Kim, a former IRS Chief Counsel Attorney with 26+ years of experience, to reveal the truth behind IRS audits. Tony, who has litigated co…
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Intro Summary] In this follow-up episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes back tax law expert Tony Kim to continue their deep dive into IRS audits and appeals. With 26 years of experience working for the IRS, Tony provides invaluable insights into what happens after an audit determination is made. He explains the role of a protest…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, hosts Kirsten Howe and Jessica Colbert delve into the latest twist in O.J. Simpson’s long-running estate saga. The estate’s executor has taken an unexpected step by filing a lawsuit against one of Simpson’s heirs, claiming that a key Las Vegas property was secretly transferred out of the estate’s control. As …
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore the critical steps in getting a will admitted to probate. They explain why lodging an original, properly executed will with the county superior court is essential, and how witness testimony can authenticate the document. They also examine the pi…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their deep dive into probate fundamentals by focusing on wills. They clarify what makes a will legally valid, why a handwritten (or “wet ink”) signature is still required, and how witnesses play a key role in safeguarding the document’s authent…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and Associate Attorney Ariana Flynn shine a light on the often misunderstood world of probate. They discuss why estate planners typically seek to avoid probate, the situations that make it unavoidable, and the key role of the personal representative—whether executor or administrator—in guiding th…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and Jessica Colbert discuss the ongoing Los Angeles fires and offer practical advice on how to help victims without falling prey to scams. From identifying legitimate charities to safely navigating crowdfunding platforms, they outline actionable steps to ensure your generosity has a real impact. …
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If you’ve been following the news lately, chances are you’ve heard of Luigi Mangione, the man at the center of recent headlines for allegedly shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. While the criminal case has drawn widespread attention, what caught our interest is a surprising detail about Mangione's personal life: he’s reportedly listed as …
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Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk for Part 2 of our exciting deep dive into estate litigation with our associate attorney and former litigator, Ariana Flynn! In this episode, we’re exploring the steps you can take to prevent challenges to your estate plan after you’re gone. Ariana shares valuable insights from her experience, including how writin…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe welcomes associate attorneys Jessica Colbert and Ariana Flynn to discuss common issues in trust and estate litigation. Drawing from her experience as a litigator, Ariana highlights three major themes that often arise in family disputes over estates: undue influence, lack of capa…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes back accomplished estate planning attorney and litigation expert Ruth Kohler Burke for part two of their deep dive into community vs. separate property in estate planning. Together, they unravel the complexities of property characterization and highlight how proper planning can save…
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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’s dual expertise as both an estate planner and litigator—gained through years of representing Fortune 500 com…
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In this special Absolute Trust Talk episode, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert step into the captivating world of celebrity estates, taking a closer look at the probate of O.J. Simpson. Unlike traditional probates, where assets are distributed to heirs, O.J.'s estate paints a very different picture—one dominated by overwhelming de…
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Trustees, are you confident you’ve completed all your legal responsibilities? This final, crucial question is one every trustee should ask—but the answer is rarely simple. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into the often-overlooked legal notices trustees are required to send befor…
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Being named a trustee is a significant responsibility that demands careful attention, time, and effort—and missing critical steps can lead to complex legal consequences. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into real-life cases where trustees overlooked essential duties. They discuss…
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A significant shift in California probate law is on the horizon, promising to make estate transfers more accessible for many homeowners. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into a game-changing legislation effective April 1, 2025. This new law allows for a simplified transfer of pri…
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In the third episode of their probate alternatives series on Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into two streamlined legal procedures that help families avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process when transferring small real estate estates in California. They explain an affidavit procedure f…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into the spousal property petition, a vital tool that offers a faster and more cost-effective way for surviving spouses to claim assets from a deceased spouse's estate. They break down the legal nuances, sharing practical examples of how this process w…
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Navigating the probate process can feel overwhelming, so what if there was a way to avoid it entirely? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, associate attorney Jessica Colbert and managing attorney Kirsten Howe introduce the small estate affidavit—an often overlooked yet highly effective tool for bypassing probate when certain conditions are met.…
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Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk! In this exciting episode, associate attorney Jessica Colbert steps into the spotlight for the first time, accompanied by managing attorney Kirsten Howe. Together, they continue the series AB Trusts: Do You Have One? Do You Need One? This episode uncovers the surprising reason many couples have AB trusts without …
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Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk with Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert! In this second episode of our AB Trust series, we dive into a vital question: Will your wishes truly be honored? While AB Trusts are a common estate planning tool for couples, they have potential challenges. One significant issue is when the deceased spous…
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Married couples, is your AB trust still serving your needs, or has it outstayed its welcome? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert take a closer look at AB trusts, a once-standard estate planning tool. They discuss when an AB trust makes sense and when it might just add unnecessary complexity an…
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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their in-depth discussion on selecting a successor trustee, with a focus on third-party options. They explore key considerations when choosing a licensed professional fiduciary, breaking down the advantages and potential drawbacks of this option. Ad…
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Are you considering naming a child as your successor trustee? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore the pros and cons of selecting a child for this crucial role. They break down key factors, including whether to name one child or multiple children as co-trustees, and the potential c…
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Are you prepared to name a successor trustee in your estate plan? Don’t worry if you’re unsure—this episode of Absolute Trust Talk will guide you through the process. We’ll break down the most important traits to look for in a successor trustee, such as trustworthiness, reliability, and the ability to seek professional advice when needed. Plus, we’…
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Have you ever faced the frustrating challenge of accessing a loved one’s bank account after their passing? You’re not alone. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associates Ariana Flynn and Jessica Colbert break down the complexities of this process into simple, actionable steps. They explain why placing accounts in a trust is t…
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Navigating estate planning as a surviving spouse can be complex, especially when dealing with the intricacies of an A-B trust. In this episode of “Trustee and Executor Responsibilities: Best Practices and Pitfalls,” Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert focus on the A-B Trust—an estate planning tool that was once commonly used to mini…
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Taking on the role of a trustee or executor can be daunting—and for good reason! With so many responsibilities and legal requirements, checking all the necessary boxes can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, we continue our discussion on trustee and executor duties, focusing on the critical importance of notices. For instance…
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When asked to be a family member’s trustee or executor, it’s easy to immediately say yes out of love and a sense of duty. It’s just some paperwork, right? How hard could it be? At Absolute Trust Counsel, we’ve seen the struggles trustees and executors face, particularly when they are family members. The role involves a heavy workload, significant r…
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Can you avoid probate without a trust? The short answer is yes, but the alternatives can have risks and offer limited control over your assets. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kiersten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore various probate-avoidance strategies, including beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death accounts, and…
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Navigating the administration of a life estate trust with real property can be a complex task. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe is joined by Karen Fisher and Kathy Rodriguez of Bishop Fiduciary Services to delve into the intricacies of life estates involving real estate. They cover the unexpected responsibilities of a trustee, s…
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Managing a trust can be challenging, especially when it involves real estate assets. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes Karen Fisher, founder of Bishop Fiduciary Services, and Kathy Rodriguez, a licensed professional fiduciary and co-trustee with Bishop Fiduciary Services. Together, we will explore the complexities o…
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To all of our local Bay Area listeners, you may have heard about the recent story of a three-bedroom house listed for $488,000 in San Francisco’s Russian Hill with a tenant renting it for only $417 a month. How is that even possible?! If you’re as intrigued as we are, stick with us for this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, where we will be dissectin…
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We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs into one basket,” which rings true for building your portfolio. The ideal portfolio consists of more than stocks and bonds – it includes Alternative Investments, like real estate, drilling funds, and value adds. In this episode of Absolute Trust Counsel, certified financial planner Miguel Delgado…
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In our latest episode, we welcome back Miguel Delgado, Senior Wealth Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management. Miguel previously offered an excellent inside look at financial planning for small businesses, and his insights were so valuable that we knew we had to have him on again. This time, we're diving deeper into the challenges that businesses often …
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Are you a business owner or partner? If so, you don’t want to miss this episode of Absolute Trust Talk! We’re exploring all things financial planning for business owners so you can transform your business success into personal wealth. Joining us is Miguel Delgado, Senior Wealth Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management, who specializes in tax minimizatio…
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Have you ever considered what would happen to your children if you passed away? It can be daunting and hard to think about; no one wants to plan for the possibility where they aren’t around to see their kids grow up. We often talk to clients who follow that old superstition that if they don’t think about it, then it won’t happen to them, so why pla…
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If you missed the first episode of our "Character Matters" mini-series, we discussed the differences between Community and Separate Property and why the "character" of your assets matters in estate planning. As a quick recap: Separate Property includes assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritances during marriage, while Communit…
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Did you know that in California, any property acquired while married is considered Community Property? This means that, regardless of who bought it, the ownership is split 50/50 in the case of divorce. It also means that if you die without valid estate planning documents, your spouse automatically receives 100% of the ownership. If we’re talking ab…
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When it comes to funding your trust with assets like cars, mobile homes, and boats, it can get a little complicated and confusing. For instance, do you know whether or not you need to retitle your cars to your trust? And when it comes to mobile homes, before you can even determine whether you should retitle it, you must first know if it’s registere…
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