Practical And Thoughtful Legal Guidance
If you consider your pets an important part of your family, you likely want to ensure that they are well cared for when you pass away. However, you cannot just leave them assets as you would a person because a pet is not a person and, therefore, cannot inherit. The...
Estate planning allows a testator to instruct how their assets are handled after they pass away. Many people create these plans early in life. Over time, a testator may wish to alter their estate plan. There doesn't need to be an exact reason to update an estate...
Estate planning involves preparing your loved ones for life once you pass away. While the process is often misconstrued as morbid, the opposite is actually true. Estate planning can give both you and your family members much-needed peace of mind. It can allow you to...
A will is a testamentary document that determines what happens with someone's property after they die. Most adults over the age of 18 have the legal authority necessary to draft a will. They can leave clear guidance regarding the legacy they leave after their death...
Your executor's responsibilities will be complicated. That's why it's vital to make their job more manageable before they assume their duties. How can you do this? Here are three tips for helping your executor: Help them understand their role It’s possible that the...
California residents who are making their estate plans might want to consider using one or more charitable trusts as a component. This can be particularly useful for individuals whose estate is large enough that they are looking for ways to reduce estate tax, but...
Estate planning involves many critical steps to ensure that the probate court follows a planner's wishes. Of course, probate consists of executing a will, and other documents, such as power of attorney or a healthcare proxy, and these can be part of such planning. You...
Estate planning is an essential process that ensures your assets are protected in California, and it also ensures that they are distributed according to your wishes. Many people assume that estate plans are only necessary for married couples. That’s not the case....
Estate planning can involve many different matters of concern. While many assume that it consists solely of writing a last will and testament, there are other documents legal under California law. One such document is an advance directive. An advance directive does...
If you are happily married and have substantial wealth in California that could be subject to federal taxes, you may want to consider a QTIP trust for your partner. Here's what it does. Understanding a QTIP trust and how it works From the basics, trusts are legal...