California is the home to many thousands of wealthy individuals, and most of them will pass along some portion of their estates to relatives or other beneficiaries. One of the concerns when doing so is the so-called "third generation curse," the idea that many...
Planning For A Secure Future
Month: October 2022
Choosing a trustee for your irrevocable trust
An irrevocable trust is a trust that you cannot alter once you've officialized it. Such trusts are often useful for reducing estate taxes and protecting your California assets. One of the most important choices you'll need to make in the creation of an irrevocable...
Estate planning mistakes you should dodge
Estate planning is like setting up a safety net for your California loved ones after you are gone. It ensures your assets go where you want them to. However, some common mistakes can mess up these plans. Let us look at what they are and how to avoid them. Not having...
Do single individuals need an estate plan?
A single person living in California may question the necessity of an estate plan or will, especially if they have no children and feel they have few assets to leave behind. This sentiment is common, as over 50% of people pass away without a will or estate plan due to...
Life insurance and estate plans
A life insurance policy allows the policyholder to provide financial support to named beneficiaries upon their death. Some may wonder if a life insurance policy could become part of a California estate plan. Although beneficiaries of a will or trust may receive assets...
Be ready for potential estate tax changes
Currently, the estate tax exemption stands at $13.61 million per individual and $27.22 million per married couple. However, if nothing changes, exemption amounts could be cut by as much as 50%, which means that California residents may need to make changes to their...
Making arrangements for pets in your estate plan
Your pets are beloved members of your California family. Whether they are furry, feathered or scaled, you can ensure they will be in good hands by including them in your estate planning endeavors. Name a guardian Including your pets in your estate planning documents...
How to choose an attorney-in-fact
Regardless of your age, you can always benefit from having an estate plan. It means keeping your future and that of your California family secured. One aspect of estate planning is choosing an attorney-in-fact to act under a power of attorney. This is what that means...
How to avoid problems when bequeathing family heirlooms
Bequeathing family heirlooms can be a sentimental and emotional process in California. The process can also lead to conflicts and challenges if not done properly. That’s especially true when emotions run high. Luckily, there are some steps individuals can take to...
Charitable trusts are versatile estate planning tools
There are many reasons why California residents may choose to include charitable trusts in their estate plans. These versatile tools can be used to donate assets to charities and transfer wealth to children, and they may also reduce or even eliminate estate taxes....