John M. Goralka
John M. Goralka is Senior Counsel at CunninghamLegal in Sacramento, California. John joined CunninghamLegal because of the firm's high degree of professionalism, commitment to client service and creative ability to provide solutions. CunninghamLegal maintains offices throughout California. For decades, John has helped thousands of families and business owners protect, preserve and pass on their wealth with confidence.
Through The Goralka Law Firm, founded in 1996, Mr. Goralka and his team built a reputation for designing practical, tax-efficient estate plans that truly worked when families needed them most. He is one of the few attorneys in California who is dual-certified as a Specialist in both Taxation Law and Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Mr. Goralka earned his J.D. (with distinction) and LL.M. in Taxation from McGeorge School of Law. John is recognized by Best Lawyers in America and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethics.
John passed the uniform CPA exam and is recognized as a Northern California Superlawyer. His consistent honors have been earned through decades of client-centered results. John writes regularly for Kiplinger, MSN, MSN UK, CPA Practice Advisor and the Kiplinger Tax Newsletter.
Email: Team@Cunninghamlegal.com | Website: www.cunninghamlegal.com
Latest articles by John M. Goralka
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Are You Ready for the Corporate Transparency Act?
CTA, taking effect on Jan. 1, requires many businesses to file with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Filing requirements and privacy issues are raising eyebrows.
By John M. Goralka
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What Is the F Reorganization, and Why Is It So Popular?
This year has seen an uptick in F reorganizations. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages for buyers and sellers.
By John M. Goralka
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Would You Benefit From a Split Interest Income Trust?
If you have a high income, are selling appreciated assets or won the lottery, a split interest income trust could be a boon to you and a designated charity.
By John M. Goralka
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This Halloween, Consider a Phantom Stock Plan
Business owners could use a phantom stock plan to incentivize key employees without having to share control of the company.
By John M. Goralka
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A Tax Planning Cautionary Tale: Timing and Formalities Are Critical
A business owner learned the hard way (and at great cost) not to dawdle or cut corners when it comes to tax plans involving the sale of a business.
By John M. Goralka
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Why Are the Notes Found in Aretha Franklin’s Couch a Valid Will?
The late Queen of Soul’s discovered notes had to meet certain Michigan requirements to be considered a valid will. The outcome might have been different in other states.
By John M. Goralka
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Lessons to Be Learned from Kevin Costner's Premarital Agreement
What's a premarital agreement, how does it work, and what does Costner's wife, Christine Baumgartner, stand to lose if she challenges theirs?
By John M. Goralka
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Comparing Estate Planning: ‘Leave It to Beaver’ vs. ‘Modern Family’
The modern blended family has far more needs when it comes to estate planning than a traditional family. Here are some challenges, tips and solutions.
By John M. Goralka
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Five Estate Planning Lessons We Can Learn From Elvis’ Mistakes
Elvis’ estate planning failures certainly adversely affected the life of his daughter, Lisa Marie, and have carried over into issues with her estate.
By John M. Goralka
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Prepare for 2026 Estate Planning With SPATs, SLATs and DAPTs
The estate tax exemption is set to drop significantly in 2026, but these alternative tongue-twisting tax-savvy trusts could help.
By John M. Goralka
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Family Business Survival Strategies as Tax Landscape Changes
tax planning Let's look at the main provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the tools family businesses have at their disposal to protect their interests.
By John M. Goralka
tax planning -
Is Your Company Ready for the New Partnership Tax Audit Rules?
taxes Unless you take action, you could be facing some unpleasant tax consequences.
By John M. Goralka
taxes -
How to Use the Legal Cloak of Invisibility to Protect Your Assets
In an increasingly public world where very little info is private, you can protect yourself by employing an anonymous trust or anonymous LLC.
By John M. Goralka
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How to Use Your Estate Plan to Save on Taxes While You’re Still Alive!
estate planning Upstream basis planning is a trust strategy that can save wealthy people on their capital gains taxes and income taxes associated with highly appreciated assets.
By John M. Goralka
estate planning -
What If Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Had a Premarital Agreement?
Divorce Oh, the gritty details we’re learning from the latest court battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. This unfortunate airing of dirty laundry may have been avoided with a prenup. Should you think about getting one yourself?
By John M. Goralka
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Don’t Throw Away a $12.06M Estate Tax Exemption by Accident
estate planning Many married couples fall into the “portability trap.” They fail to file an IRS form after one spouse dies and accidentally forfeit a massive federal estate tax exemption.
By John M. Goralka
estate planning -
This Valentine’s Day – Think … Trust Income Tax Savings!
estate planning Valentine’s Day is synonymous with hearts and flowers, but for those with non-grantor trusts, there’s another symbol that could be associated with it: dollar signs.
By John M. Goralka
estate planning -
What a Beneficiary Controlled Trust Can Do to Protect Your Legacy After You Are Gone
estate planning Life is messy sometimes. Divorce, bankruptcies and lawsuits happen, and they can potentially wipe out the inheritance you’ve carefully set aside for your loved ones. But there are many trust options to help keep life from ruining your legacy.
By John M. Goralka
estate planning -
On National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, a Lesson in Life from Mrs. Fields
personal finance A humbling moment that we can all relate to put the future cookie queen on her entrepreneurial path. If Mrs. Fields could turn a humiliating foible around to become a success, so can you.
By John M. Goralka
personal finance -
Britney Spears’ Sad Song … Warning: This Could Happen to You
estate planning Being forced into conservatorship and losing all control over your life isn’t something that just happens in movies, like Netflix’s dark drama "I Care a Lot." And it doesn’t just happen to pop stars like Britney Spears. In fact, we all can learn something from Britney’s sad story.
By John M. Goralka
estate planning -
Coronavirus Crisis Brings Estate Tax Opportunity
retirement A confluence of financial conditions during this challenging time means that some families with very large estates may want to consider taking steps soon that could potentially help them avoid paying federal estate taxes later.
By John M. Goralka
retirement -
How to Get Your Estate Plan Done While Under Coronavirus Quarantine
retirement If you are quarantined or under a lockdown and can't get to a notary, how can you get your will, trust and other documents executed? Don't give up. There are ways to get it done without leaving home.
By John M. Goralka
retirement -
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s $12 Million Estate Planning Mistake
retirement A few moves could have saved the loved ones of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman a lot of money. Even if you don’t have a $35 million estate, like Hoffman’s, there are some things you could learn from it.
By John M. Goralka
retirement -
Digital Assets Need to Be a Part of Your Estate Plan
retirement With all the electronic bill paying and online banking that goes on today, it's important to make provisions for them. Otherwise, things could get tough for your loved ones later on.
By John M. Goralka
retirement
