Planning For A Secure Future
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...
Estate planning can be confusing, especially when it comes to pour-over wills. You might have heard different things about them and wonder if they matter to you. Whether you are starting your estate plan or reviewing an existing one, it is important to clear up any...
Thinking about probate costs while dealing with loss can be stressful and confusing. Moreover, California has one of the highest probate costs in the country. In many cases, the total probate expenses catch grieving families off guard. Probate costs generally vary...