One of the most important estate planning decisions you will make is choosing an estate executor. This person will make sure that your estate and all its assets get distributed according to your wishes. They will also help settle any disputes that may arise during the...
Year: 2021
How can you establish a special needs trust?
If you are a California resident who has a special needs child, you will want to ensure that they're taken care of for their entire life. One way to do that is through a special needs trust. You should know how you can establish that trust and how it works. What is a...
When probate is necessary to transfer assets after death
People can face a challenging time after the death of their California loved ones. Not only must they deal with the difficult emotional aftermath but also the often complex practicalities of transferring property, closing accounts and ensuring the wishes of the...
Updating power of attorney in estate planning
California estate planning and administration laws recognize a power of attorney designation for a person, known as the agent, to make decisions on behalf of someone else, known as the principal. It frequently becomes necessary as loved ones age and experience mental...
Putting your primary residence in a trust
One of the best methods of protecting property is putting it in a trust and designating ownership to a trustee. There are several reasons anyone would want to take this legal step to protect their property, ranging from qualifying for Medicaid due to a nursing home...
Where do I open probate for my loved one’s assets?
Opening probate to distribute a loved one's assets can be a complicated process. If all of the deceased assets are located in a single state such as California, the process is easier, but even in then, you may have to decide which county court system the probate case...
Some major estate planning concerns for LGBTQ couples
California is a beautiful state that many people enjoy calling home. With that in mind, many LGBTQ couples enjoy planning out their futures there. Considering that, estate planning comes with several major things to think about. Here is more information about three...
Should you write a will yourself?
Many people in California try to write their own wills so they don't have to spend money on legal fees. While they might save money in the short term, their heirs might have to spend thousands of dollars and wait months for the estate to go through probate. The people...
Without an estate plan, who inherits your estate?
Not all California citizens die having written wills. If someone dies intestate, meaning without a will, the law steps in to allocate their estate. California has well-defined succession laws about who deserves to inherit what in such situations. A spouse and...
Using a TOD account to avoid probate
Estate planning is very important. Every adult in California needs to have a plan in place for the end of their life. Thinking it out beforehand can reduce the demands on survivors. There are several tools that people use to help streamline the distribution of their...