After the death or incapacity of a loved one, you may be feeling quickly overwhelmed by the responsibilities you agreed to take on. If one of those duties includes administrating a revocable trust, you have good reason to feel some stress. The job of a trustee is...
Do I need a probate attorney?
Year: 2021
Estate planning tips for newly widowed adults
Losing a spouse can be a very difficult time. For many, the loss can also come with logistical concerns, including considerations about where to live, finances, and what to do about estate planning. The latter issue may be easier than expected to tackle, as California...
Preventing the problem of “lost heirs” in estate administration
When someone passes away, their executor is tasked with finding their beneficiaries and ensuring they receive their portion of the estate. One of the issues that can lengthen or derail this process is “lost heirs” -- that is, heirs of beneficiaries whose whereabouts...
What to bring to your first estate planning attorney meeting
Meeting with a lawyer to discuss estate planning options and issues is a great first step in the planning process. However, many people wonder how best to approach that first meeting. Are there documents that should be gathered first? Decisions that should be made...
Is it possible to turn down an executorship?
Individuals who are named as executors of a California estate face a tremendous responsibility. While some see it as a privilege and welcome duty, others may be tentative about assuming the tasks involved. It is absolutely okay for individuals to turn down the job...
Passing down stories, traditions and other nontangible assets
In estate planning, most people prioritize assets with monetary value, such as bank accounts and owned property. But, California planners and their families often also have non-financial assets to consider. For example, stories, traditions, journals or social media...
How do beneficiary accounts work in estate planning?
Many people think that drafting a will is the first step toward estate planning. But, for many California individuals, the estate planning process actually began when they opened a bank account, life insurance policy or other account with a beneficiary designation....
What is essential in a complete estate plan?
Every California adult has different goals for his or her wealth and health care, both now and in the future. When creating an estate plan, it is possible to custom-tailor the overall strategy to match a person’s specific objectives for security and protection. Even...
Estate planning considerations after moving to another state
In the United States, it is not uncommon for individuals to move across state lines. Whether the move is for career, family or personal reasons, the change can have a wide range of impacts on a person’s financial and legal life. If someone moves to California from...
What taxes will my loved ones inherit?
When you leave your estate to your children, you likely hope the inheritance will benefit them in some way. Perhaps they can invest it, pay off debt, start college funds for their children or simply enjoy the gift you have left them. What you may not realize is that...
