Your will allows you to distribute your assets in whatever way you choose. You get to decide how to split your property between your loved ones and can even choose not to include some family members. Even with the power a well-drafted will provides, there are better...
If you’re a young parent or if you have a child with special needs, part of your estate plan likely includes setting up guardianship. It may never be used, but you want to know that there’s a guardian in place if they’re needed. This person can take care of your child...
When you turn 18, you are legally allowed to make an estate plan. You’re an adult in the eyes of the law and you can begin putting that plan in place. However, if you ask most 18-year-olds if they have an estate plan, they’re going to tell you that they haven’t even...
Creating an estate plan is a responsible step to take as you age. However, to ensure that your estate plan remains legally binding and represents your wishes, you must ensure you aren’t making some of the most common mistakes. Knowing what the mistakes are is the...
Most adults know that they need to have an estate plan in place. What many don’t realize is that having powers of attorney designations is also important in estate planning. Most people need two of these designations – one for their health care and another for...
When you die with a will, it must be legally verified before execution. The entire process of administering your estate before passage to the beneficiaries is known as probate. A lot goes on during the probate process, and it can take time to finalize. Usually, the...
If you have a loved one with special needs, you should tailor your estate plans to protect their interests. Leaving them their share of your estate through a will, or in the hands of their siblings may not be the best way to go about it. A lot could go wrong, such as...
There are numerous legal and financial obligations that arise during estate administration. The personal representative of the estate must notify creditors about probate proceedings and resolve someone's financial liabilities with estate assets. They will also need to...
Your California estate plan can be as simple or complicated as you want to make it. The more family members and assets you have to consider, the more involved your plan might become. For many people in California, a simple will is not adequate for their estate...
A quick search on the internet will bring up a variety of “do it yourself” estate planning websites. While you might be tempted to use a site like this to make your final plans, you could run into some serious problems. You could end up leaving out some very...