Upcoming Estate Planning Workshops
Workshops are held in person at the Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus, 999 Third Street, San Rafael. When possible, workshops will be recorded and links will be sent to registrants.
November 19 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Navigate Your Changing Care Needs & Exploring an Advance Health Care Directive
With Aging Solutions and By the Bay Health
As care needs change – whether due to aging, illness, or unexpected circumstances – navigating options can feel overwhelming. This collaborative workshop is designed to help you plan ahead with clarity and confidence.
Led by Terri Abelar from Aging Solutions and Lorena Garbarino, Hospice, Palliative and Home Health Specialist from By the Bay Health, this session will blend expertise from both care management and health care perspectives. Together, we’ll share practical strategies for recognizing when care needs are shifting, understanding available support and resources, and preparing in advance healthcare directive that ensures your wishes are honored.
Participants will leave with tools to start important conversations, knowledge of care pathways, and the resources that planning ahead can make future decisions easier for both you and your loved ones.
Reserve your spot here.
Past Estate Planning Workshops
October 15 | 4:00-6:00 pm
A Panel Conversation on Wills, Trusts & Taxes: Planning Ahead to Protect What Matters Most
With Kerry Spence Estate Plans and Perotti and Carrade CPA’s
In an uncertain world, two things are guaranteed: death and taxes. While we can’t avoid them, we can plan for them – so you can protect your loved ones, reduce their burden, and ensure your wishes are honored.
Join us for a dynamic and interactive panel discussion featuring Kerry Spence, Certified Estate Planner with Kerry Spence Estate Plans, Inc., along with Kathryn Harris and Mirka Singerman, Certified Public Accountants with Perotti and Carrade, who bring deep knowledge of estate-related tax issues.
Together, they’ll engage in a practical, conversational format, addressing common questions and concerns.
Watch the recording here.
September 10 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Estate Planning Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
With Estate Attorney Matt Harris & Financial Advisor Rick Roman of MassMutual
Join us for a dynamic and eye-opening presentation that will help you protect your legacy and your loved ones. Learn about some of the most common—and costly—estate and financial planning mistakes people make, and how you can avoid them with smart, proactive planning.
Matthew W. Harris, an estate planning attorney based in Larkspur, will discuss essential legal tools like wills and trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and strategies to avoid probate, court involvement, and family disputes.
Richard (Rick) Roman, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary based in Novato, will explore how to plan for long-term care, select and update beneficiaries, and consider creative approaches to financial planning.
Watch the live recording here.
Access the workshop presentation slides here.
August 20 | 4:00-6:00 pm
From Will to Wisdom: Make the Right Estate Plan & Choose the Right Person to Carry It Out
August is Make-A-Will Month!
Did you know that without a will (and trust if you need one), your estate can get tied up in probate court for up to two years and cost your heirs thousands of dollars?
An up-to-date will is an essential way to:
- Protect your loved ones
- Ensure your assets support the people, pets, and organizations you care about
- Build a lasting legacy for generations to come
Not sure where to start? Have questions? Join us!
Ruby Steinbrecher, your friendly neighborhood Estate Planning lawyer, will equip you with crucial information and perspectives and guide you through the essentials of estate planning, highlighting the possible repercussions of not having a plan in place. You will discover how to ensure that trusted individuals have the necessary legal authority to act on your behalf, particularly in cases of incapacity, and learn the essential documents that are required.
Lori Beth Merrill is the principal of Paladin Fiduciary Services, serving Sonoma, Marin, and surrounding counties. She will discuss what a fiduciary is, the different roles a fiduciary can play as part of your estate team, and why you might want to consider using one.
Both Ruby and Lori Beth are excited to share their expertise and answer your questions. Their goal is for you to depart from this workshop with a sense of reassurance, knowing that you have taken the essential measures to safeguard your assets and provide for the future of your family.
Watch the live recording here.
Access the workshop handout here.
July 16 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Being Intentional with Your End-of-Life Planning: A Conversation on End-of-Life Planning
Join us for a thoughtful and honest conversation about how end-of-life planning can be a meaningful gift to your loved ones.
Led by Vivalon CEO Kaushik Roy, this live, interview-style event will feature Sarah Hill and Lorena Lupercio-Diaz, two leading experts sharing practical advice, real stories, and compassionate guidance on planning ahead, easing family stress, and ensuring your wishes are honored.
Watch the live recording here.
June 18 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Wills, Trusts, Inherited IRAs & Maximizing your 401K
With Kerry Spence, Kerry Spence Estate Plans, Inc., and Boriss Bikosvili, CRPC®, Merrill Lynch
Watch the live recording here.
Access the workshop worksheets. 401 Rollover, Inherited IRA & Prop 13 vs. Prop 19
Access the PowerPoint here.
May 21 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Taking Care of Business Before You Can’t
With Barb Lyon of RelyOnB and Carolyn Tucker of HomeWell Care Services
This double header features Carolyn Tucker of HomeWell Care Services who will lead a practical discussion on planning ahead for in-home care, emphasizing safety, independence, and quality of life. Learn the benefits of using a licensed home care agency, the risks of hiring privately, and how early planning can ease transitions as care needs evolve. Up next is RelyOnB founder, Barb Lyon, who will outline the practical steps to take to ensure your financial documents and key personal information is organized and accessible so that your wishes are honored and your well-being is protected.
Watch the live recording here.
Access the free Estate Planning Worksheets here.
April 16 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Social Security and Financial Planning for Your Best Retirement
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS® Matt Taddei and Meghan Hyland of San Rafael’s WestHill Financial Advisors® will address some of the rumors and misinformation surrounding Social Security and discuss strategies to help you understand and maximize your benefits, and answer your questions.
Watch the live recording here.
Access the PowerPoint presentation here and the workshop handout here.
March 19 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Tax Strategies for Estate Planning & Charitable Giving
Charlie Haynor and Reid Miles of United Capital Wealth Management will review the impact of the upcoming sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Through this seminar, you will learn specific strategies to maximize the value of your Estate and Charitable giving.
Watch the live recording here.
February 19 | 4 pm to 6 pm
Leveraging Philanthropy to Leave a Lasting Legacy
Discover the power of leaving a lasting impact for generations to come! Join philanthropic experts Andrea Henderson and Carmen Cruces from Marin Community Foundation for an inspiring workshop on how to plan, preserve, and share your legacy. Through this informative workshop you will learn ways to ensure your values and contributions endure for generations.
Watch the live recording here.
January 15 | 4 pm to 6 pm
Reverse Mortgages & Taxes: Getting the Most From Both in 2025
Mary Anne Daly a mortgage specialist will discuss myths, pros and cons of Reverse Mortgages, and how to know if one is right for you. Ron Moss, CPA, will discuss the tax implications and will review the tax changes for 2025 and IRA to Roth Conversions.
Watch the live recording here.
