Are you considering making an estate plan? As a testator, you want to be sure everything is ready so that your grieving loved ones or the courts aren’t left to make decisions against your wishes. But, what’s in an estate plan? Here’s what you should know: Will The...
As a California resident, you understand how important it is to plan for the future. Estate planning ensures that your loved ones are cared for after you're gone, but have you considered the needs of your furry family members? There are several things you need to do...
A revocable trust (often known as a revocable living trust or living trust) enables you to maintain control over assets while you’re alive. The primary purpose of a revocable trust is to avoid probate, which is beneficial to your heirs. This enables you to pass down...
There are numerous estate planning instruments that all carry out various tasks. One of the most fundamental aspects of any estate plan is the will. This is a document that provides instructions for how your assets are to be divided upon your death. As well as having...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...