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020: Naturalization: Is the Process Worth It?

Absolute Trust Talk

Release Date: 11/20/2018

157: Avoiding Probate Hassles: Understanding California's 2025 Law Change show art 157: Avoiding Probate Hassles: Understanding California's 2025 Law Change

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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 primary residences valued up to $750,000 to heirs—without the need for probate or a formal estate plan. They discuss how this expansion of the small estate affidavit and petition procedures can ease the burden on families, making property...

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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. Additionally, they provide insights into other alternatives, such as corporate trustees. Whether you're making this decision for the first time or revisiting your estate plan, this episode offers practical advice to help you choose the best trustee...

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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 challenges that can arise, from sibling dynamics to administrative complexities. Tune in to gain valuable insights and ensure you make an informed decision about your trust’s future.   Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:45...

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The thoughts around becoming a naturalized citizen can be, well, daunting. Many wonder if it’s worth the time and effort. Absolute Trust Talk guest and immigration law expert Nadia Yakoob encourages all clients, and those wondering about the process, to take the time and make an effort because the benefits far outweigh taking no action at all.

Nadia has been practicing immigration law for 18 years.  She immigrated to the United States at the age of ten with her family after living in Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, and France. Her personal experiences have shaped her approach to her work and her clients. Nadia joins Kirsten in the studio for a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk to discuss everything about becoming a naturalized citizen: the requirements, the length of the process, details about filing, what the interview is like, even if it’s possible to have dual citizenship. An interesting and informational episode you don’t want to miss.

Top Takeaway from Episode #020:

  1. It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s not as difficult as you may think.
  2. The benefits are more than worth it.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

2:56 – Nadia discusses the advantages of becoming a naturalized citizen

6:15 – Are there disadvantages to going through the naturalization process?

7:58 – Nadia shares the four requirements necessary to become a naturalized citizen

16:25 – Nadia discusses how she helps her clients through the process

20:02 – What does the naturalization interview process look like?

24:25 – This is how much it costs to file for naturalization.

25:29 – Kirsten asks Nadia to share how long the whole process takes

27:38 – Kirsten discusses the importance of naturalization and estate planning

Episode #020 Freebie:

How do you become a naturalized citizen? What are the requirements? What documents do you need? What does the process look like?

There are many advantages for a foreign national to acquire U.S. citizenship through naturalization. While the process might seem daunting – it does require some paperwork, time, and diligence – it’s not as overwhelming as many believe. Immigration law expert Nadia Yakoob is sharing with listeners a unique tool that discusses the benefits of acquiring U.S. citizenship, what the requirements are, what documents are necessary, plus a checklist to ensure you have all the information needed.

Click here to access your free copy!

Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned In This Episode:

USCIS Interview Test Information