When someone in your family dies, it is a difficult time. You want to spend time grieving and remembering your loved one, but there are important affairs to attend to. If you find their estate plan and discover changes were made you were unaware of, you may wonder if...
Year: 2023
Do healthcare powers of attorney need to know about medicine?
One of the people you’ll need to name in your estate plan is a health care power of attorney. Some refer to them as health care agents. This person will speak on your behalf if you cannot express your wishes about medical treatment due to incapacity caused by severe...
4 reasons you should update your will
Many testators create a will to give money to heirs, appoint a guardian for any minor children or make sure other wishes are carried out. If you have already established a will, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s up to date. Not having an updated will can cause a host...
What you need to know about ancillary probate in California
California, like the other states, has its unique estate planning laws. When a loved one dies, their estate will be wound up and distributed according to their wishes or California intestacy laws. But what happens if they had properties in multiple states? Well, this...
What successor trustees need to know about selling a home
If you are named as a successor trustee, you have many responsibilities. This individual must handle the trust of someone after they pass away. One of the actions you may need to take in this role is selling the grantor’s home. Remember, selling real estate is...
Why you need an advance health care directive
Designating someone to have power of attorney (POA) over your health care is an important aspect of estate planning – even though it involves a time when you’re still alive, although unable to speak for yourself. This can happen at any age – often due to an injury or...