Many people work hard to put an estate plan and financial structure in place. After doing all that thinking and work, it is important to communicate plans to loved ones so they can properly implement plans and follow through on intentions. For this reason, it’s a good...
Do I need a probate attorney?
Year: 2021
What happens to a trust after the trust maker dies?
A revocable living trust is a valuable estate planning tool for protecting assets, avoiding probate and minimizing certain tax ramifications. A well-funded trust with clear instructions can be a blessing to heirs who may then receive their inheritances without having...
Pets, digital assets among most common estate planning oversights
When drafting estate plans, there are some obvious items to go over. The family home, bank accounts and guardianship of minor children often top the list of considerations. But, there are a few things that California planners commonly miss in their first attempt at...
Preparing for an executorship
Many people will serve as executors at some point in their lives, designated to carry out the will of someone who has passed away. While many people agree to this responsibility, some may have limited ideas of what it entails or how to prepare. Here are some tips for...
How to deal with sentimental items in an estate
When planning for future inheritances, the family home, business, and bank accounts may be among the first considerations. But, for some California families, these monetarily valuable assets can be less contentious and more straightforward than items with sentimental...
Blended families bring up questions around estate planning
California families come in so many wonderful varieties, including blended families. Since many parents in these families have both biological and stepchildren, there may be some questions about how to handle estate planning when the time comes. Should biological...
Talking estate planning with children difficult, but necessary
It may be difficult enough for some people in California to even consider creating an estate plan, but even those who go through the process may struggle to discuss the matter with their children. It is not particularly pleasant to think of one’s own eventual passing,...
4 estate planning tools to consider if you have chronic illness
Numerous people in California and across the country live with chronic illness. For some, the illness may not be obvious to the naked eye, and for others, they may have obvious factors in their lives that make their illness known, such as needing a wheelchair,...
Charitable Remainder Trust may benefit those who inherit an IRA
Many people in California save for retirement by funding an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA. If they pass away before depleting it, or if they choose to will the IRA to their child or someone else, the tax consequences may be significant, particularly with...
What happens to my power of attorney after I die?
If you are building a comprehensive estate plan, chances are you are discovering the importance of having a power of attorney designation as part of it. A power of attorney agent acts on your behalf if medical, legal or financial matters arise at a time when you are...
