You probably felt honored when a friend or family member asked you to perform estate executor duties after their death. Hopefully, you gave the matter considerable thought before agreeing to take on this critical role. A position as an estate executor comes with many...
For many people living in California, their house is their most valuable property. It has both intense sentimental value and also more financial value than any other assets in their names. If your home represents a significant portion of your personal wealth, then it...
Having a will as part of your estate plan is the responsible thing to do. With a will, you have ensured your wishes are followed regarding your assets, guardianship of your children and more. It’s worth noting, though, that a will isn’t an estate plan. In fact, it’s...
A living trust is one of the most useful estate planning tools. Its flexibility ensures that you are in control until the very end, and even then, the terms of the trust will prevail after you are gone. However, you need to get everything right when funding a living...
The harsh reality is that your adult children probably don’t want the vast majority of your keepsakes. Maybe they’re minimalists, or maybe they have a house full of their own stuff – or maybe their tastes just drastically differ from yours. However, Mom’s diamond...
No matter what age you are, it’s a good idea to consider the value of estate planning. Estate planning generally refers to a set of legally binding documents that outline your financial, medical and legal preferences in the event that you are no longer able to make...
Thinking about your estate plan might bring up thoughts of your will and trusts. But, these are only some of the things you need to include when you create the plan. You also have to consider other points that might have a direct impact on your heirs and...
Your estate plan focuses on what happens when you die. It also serves other purposes, such as looking after you if you fall into ill health, but your death is typically the main focus. You cannot predict when you will die, so it is essential to get an estate plan made...
Many people include trusts in their estate plans or even in their long-term care planning when they get close to retirement age. Trusts can reduce the value of your estate, help you qualify for Medicaid or protect your assets from taxation and creditor lawsuits....
You inherited your china from your great aunt and have brought out those dishes on special occasions for years. Given that you have maintained them in pristine condition, you might dream about leaving them to a child or grandchild who will cherish them the way you...
