Taking the steps to create an estate plan is an understandably difficult decision. It means spending time dwelling on the end of your life and beyond, and this is not an easy thing for many to do. However, even if you are willing to overcome this fear, you may be...
Do I need a probate attorney?
Fullerton Estate Planning Law Blog
Understanding the probate process
After a loved one dies, the estate goes through a process called probate. The probate process can seem mysterious, and many of its steps occur behind the scenes, so the heirs and beneficiaries may receive little information about what is going on. In many cases, the...
Does your life insurance match your will?
Life insurance policies have a way of drifting into the back of one’s mind. You pay the premiums and never think about it until the next one is due. Perhaps you opened your retirement account years ago when you started a new job. It is possible that the only...
Dealing with cryptocurrency in estate planning
With 46 million Americans now owning Bitcoin and many more investing in other cryptocurrencies, it is no wonder that cryptoassets have become a hot topic in estate planning law. Failing to plan for these assets can have quite significant consequences, as there is no...
Tips for picking an executor
When preparing estate plans, it is important to think carefully about who will be named as the executor. This person will be responsible for managing affairs after death, so picking the right person is a must. For some, the decision is easy, but many California adults...
Tips for preventing issues with beneficiary designation accounts
Many bank accounts have a “transfer on death” (TOD) option, which allows a beneficiary to take ownership of the account without going through probate. These can be great estate planning tools, allowing for assets to be quickly transitioned without administrative...
Typical practices for compensating executors
Executing a will can be a challenging and time-consuming job. Often, the most responsible or skilled person in a person’s circle is the individual’s first choice to execute his or her estate. As such, it makes sense to compensate the person for the time, skill,...
How do courts decide if a will is “valid”?
When starting the estate planning process, many people are concerned with following all necessary measures to make sure their will is “legally valid.” But what does that mean, exactly? What criteria need to be met for a will to be accepted by the courts? The process...
Password lists are increasingly important in estate planning
When preparing estate plans, there are many documents one might think to prepare. At the top of the list may be asset lists, contact information for beneficiaries, POA documents and a will. But increasingly, one other document is becoming an important part of the...
Tips for collaborating with others in estate planning
Although estate planning revolves around many personal decisions, the process can involve many others. One’s spouse, children and even grandchildren can become very embroiled in the process; for example, agreeing on who will be executor or act as Power of Attorney...
