Estate Planning

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...