Planning For A Secure Future
Charitable trusts can be a valuable way to support causes you care about while managing your assets. The two most common types are charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts. Both offer unique benefits but serve different purposes and are structured in...
Do you have a beneficiary who has had some financial struggles in the past, perhaps due to their decision-making? For instance, maybe they are an easily defrauded person. They have been scammed by online phishing scams or telemarketing scams on a consistent basis. As...
There are many reasons why people establishing estate plans create trusts. Some people worry about their ability to qualify for Medicaid when they are older and medically vulnerable. Others want to limit their estate tax liability. For many testators, concern about...
Divorce can significantly impact many aspects of your estate planning. Updating your will after a divorce ensures that your wishes reflect your current situation, protecting your assets and loved ones. Failing to make changes may create unnecessary legal...
When a will names minors as beneficiaries, the probate process in California becomes more complex. Although minors may inherit assets, they cannot legally manage property. Probate courts intervene to safeguard the minor’s interest in the estate until they reach...
A blind trust works as a legal arrangement where the grantor transfers assets to a trustee who manages them independently. The grantor gives up control and receives no information about how those assets function. This structure helps eliminate potential conflicts of...
At some point in the estate planning process, you will face a profoundly important question: "Who should execute my will?" Many people make this choice without much help, but it greatly affects how easily your assets will reach your loved ones. Choosing the right...
Even in an ideal situation, the probate process can take a long time, ranging from a few months to more than a year. Unfortunately, several causes of delay can make probate drag on even longer. As a result, your family may have to pay extra fees and wait years to...
Choosing a family member as your trustee might feel like an obvious choice. After all, your relatives know you best and understand your wishes for the future, right? The emotional connection and trust you share with family members can make them seem like ideal...
Estate taxes take a big bite out of family wealth each time money passes from one generation to the next. Many families now turn to generation-skipping trusts (GSTs) to keep more assets in the family and reduce their tax burden. This innovative planning tool helps...