When a client has firearms, it’s important for the lawyer to understand both Federal and California law related to ownership, possession and transfer of firearms within the context of estate and trust administration in California. Topics of this webinar will include Federal firearm designations and laws, California’s own gun laws, rules about beneficiaries inheriting firearms, in-California and inter-state transfers and legal ownership, use of trusts and other entities to legally transfer guns, and best practices to avoid mishaps in the administration of estates or
trusts holding firearms.

Every lawyer should be aware of the issues related to the administration of an estate holding firearms. Firearms can cause increased safety concerns, expenses, fees, taxes, and potential liability if mishandled. Counselling gun owners requires at least a surface awareness of the Federal and California regulations to avoid civil and criminal liability.

Lawyers, executors and trustees must be aware that some beneficiaries are categorically prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm and lawyers should have knowledge of alternative methods to fulfill a client's intent. These include naming alternate recipients or creating a gun trust.  

Recently, California enacted legislation that permits trusts to legally hold firearms, allowing a trustee to lawfully possess the firearms.  This is an exciting new development that any estate planning or administration lawyer should know about.
 

This is a complimentary webinar provided by the California Forum.