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.
Should You Stay or Should You Go?
Thursday | September 17 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Most older adult homeowners don’t think about making changes—whether to stay safely at home or consider a move—until a health event forces quick decisions under stress. This presentation helps get ahead of that moment, offering a clear look at options and encouraging proactive planning before it becomes urgent.
Should you go?
- Options for independent living, 55+ communities, assisted living, and memory care in the North Bay
- Determining your home’s valuation, capital gains tax, Prop. 19
- How to “right-size” your home, move closer to family or a better climate
Should you stay?
- Aging in place: 84% of seniors want to remain at home
- How the new reverse mortgages help pay for in-home care, medical equipment, and safety upgrades to your home
- Responsible equity solutions to help seniors increase cash flow and preserve retirement savings
To register, click here.
Margaret Kapranos
Margaret Kapranos is a Senior Real Estate Specialist Realtor® with over twenty years of full-service real estate experience in Marin and Sonoma counties.
A former financial advisor, as needed, she educates older adults on necessary financial issues before selling. Capital gains taxes, trusts and financial planning are unique to older adults to ensure money doesn’t run out. Margaret customizes questions specific to one’s situation to take to the experts (referrals provided if needed).
Kathlene Carney
Kathlene Carney is Reverse Mortgage Specialist with NEXA Lending. She helps homeowners 62+ use the new reverse mortgages to age in place or downsize to their ideal “forever” home — without monthly mortgage payments.* She works with seniors and their families throughout Northern California who want to make the most of their home equity. Her role is to educate, guide, and simplify the process so clients feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way. A Marin native, she is now based in Sonoma County.
*Borrowers still must pay their taxes, insurance and HOA dues, if applicable.
Estate & Financial Planning for Success
Wednesday | October 21 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Everyone needs an estate plan—and the most effective ones are built alongside a solid financial plan. Planning for your future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This informative and practical workshop is designed to help you understand the essential building blocks of both financial and estate planning so you can make confident, well‑informed decisions that protect you, your loved ones, and your legacy.
You’ll learn how financial planning and estate planning work together to support your goals during your lifetime and ensure your assets are transferred thoughtfully and efficiently in the event of incapacity or death.
This free workshop will cover:
- Financial planning fundamentals and how they support long‑term success
- Capital gains considerations and strategies for managing concentrated positions
- Coordinating financial and estate planning for greater impact and efficiency
- Will and trust basics—what they are, how they work, and when you need them
- Key estate planning documents everyone should have in place
To register, click here.
Shelley Clark
Shelley Clark is an associate attorney at VGK Law in San Rafael. Her practice focuses on estate planning and trust administration. She enjoys helping clients navigate the complexities of planning for the future and administering estates with clarity and confidence. Shelley holds a law degree from Pace Law School and a master’s degree from the Yale School of the Environment.
Reid Miles
Reid Miles, specializes in advanced tax planning, equity compensation strategy, charitable giving, and estate planning at United Capital. By building integrated financial plans that coordinate investment management, retirement and cash flow planning, and estate strategies Reid, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP™), strives to help clients maximize their resources and their impact today and for many years to come.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
Past Workshops
August 19, 2026
Make a Will Month: Smart Investing & Estate Planning: Building and Protecting Your Legacy
Gain insights into today’s market, where and how to invest now, and key principles of general investing and retirement planning.
Watch the recording here.
July 22, 2026
The Care Conversation: What Marin Families Wish They’d Started Sooner, and What to Do Next
This is a guided discussion of how care actually works in the North Bay, what to expect at each stage, and how to make confident decisions before a difficult situation forces them.
Watch the recording here.
June 17, 2026
Tax Strategies for Your Investment Real Estate 1031 Exchange & 721 UpREIT
In this workshop, we unpacked how investors use 1031 Exchange and 721 UpREIT strategies to align taxes with long‑term wealth goals—whether that means continued control or greater diversification.
Watch the recording here.
May 20, 2026
Life Transitions: Navigating Major Life Changes Through Strategic Financial Planning
Planning for the future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. During this informative workshop, we looked at the essentials of estate planning and tax strategy, so you can make thoughtful decisions that protect you and your loved ones.
Watch the recording here.
Access workshop presentation slides here.
April 22, 2026
Estate & Tax Planning 101
Planning for the future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. During this informative workshop, we looked at the essentials of estate planning and tax strategy, so you can make thoughtful decisions that protect you and your loved ones.
Access workshop presentation slides:
March 26, 2026
From Will to Wisdom: Make the Right Estate Plan & Choose the Right Person to Carry It Out
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?
Learn how an up-to-date will can
- Protect your loved ones
- Ensure your assets support the people, pets, and organizations you care about
- Build a lasting legacy for generations to come
Watch the recording here.
January 28, 2026
Reverse Mortgages & Taxes: Getting the Most From Both in 2026
Reverse Mortgages can offer financial solutions and turn your home equity into financial freedom. The workshop discussed how reverse mortgages work and the myths – also discussed were tax changes for 2026.
Watch the recording here.
October 15, 2025
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.
Watch the recording here.
