In a world where wealth and prosperity are often celebrated, one might assume that inheriting a significant fortune is a blessing beyond measure. However, the reality can be far more complex than it appears at first glance. Below are the intricacies of inheriting...
Sacramento Estate Planning Blog
How to update your will
Your will is not effective until you die. This means you can update it when circumstances change in your life. But since it's a legal document, you have to make changes following the right procedures. You can legally update your will using two methods: Writing a new...
Including a caregiver in your will requires some planning
If you’re like many California seniors, you rely on a paid in-home caregiver or maybe a friend or neighbor to help you out with things you’re no longer able to do for yourself. You may even have more contact with that caregiver than with your adult children –...
What is a Totten trust?
Estate planning encompasses various tools and strategies to manage and distribute an individual's assets after death. One lesser-known but effective tool in this process is a Totten trust, sometimes referred to as a payable-on-death account. This instrument allows for...
Tips for storing and preserving your estate planning documents
A comprehensive estate plan is undeniably essential for you and your heirs. Like most people, you probably spent a lot of time considering how to structure your plan. Now that you have an estate plan that meets your needs, you want to ensure it remains safe and...
Should you discuss your will with your heirs?
Creating a will is very important. By setting aside time and resources to create a will, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your legacy and loved ones’ future. Without a will, California intestacy laws would swing into action to determine what should happen...
Addressing family heirlooms in your estate plan
Estate planning can be very complicated, and it’s important to remember that it’s about more than just passing on financial assets. In fact, dividing financial assets may be much easier than dividing family heirlooms and items with sentimental value. The problem with...
Power of attorney: Who should you pick for yours?
Part of making your estate plan may mean setting up a power of attorney. Remember that dividing assets – which you may do with a will or a trust – is only part of the process. You also need to take the time to put plans in place for your future medical and financial...
Alternatives to disinheritance for frivolous spending
One reason that people sometimes give for disinheriting someone is that that person has frivolous spending habits. It may just mean that the older person who is doing the estate planning does not have the same sorts of values that the younger person – who will inherit...
Approaching retirement means revisiting your estate plan
Reaching retirement is a big milestone in life and one that should be celebrated. You’re probably looking forward to finally having the time to spend doing all the things you love and getting some well-needed rest and relaxation. Planning for retirement, however, can...