When people set up trusts for their heirs, they will sometimes pick a very specific goal that they want to accomplish. The reason that they’re making the trust is that they want to decide how that money can be spent. Otherwise, they could just leave the money directly...
Family heirlooms are items that carry a certain amount of sentimental value. They may have been passed down for generations. But even if they are just heirlooms going from one generation to the next, they can be tricky, and they may increase the odds of an estate...
Passing a large inheritance to children, such as cash, a business, real estate, automobiles, arts, jewelry, stocks or retirement accounts, is relieving for parents. It feels good to know your kids will have a comfortable standard of living should anything happen to...
As an executor, you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual and carrying out their final wishes. But with this important role comes great responsibility, and there are certain actions you should avoid to fulfill your duties effectively and...
A will is basically the cornerstone of any estate plan. Through your will, you can determine how your assets will be distributed when you die. You can also designate a guardian for your minor child. Without one, California intestacy laws would determine what becomes...
One of the most important documents in your California estate plan is your advance health care directive. Sometimes, people refer to these documents as a living will because in them you provide your wishes for what kind of life-prolonging measures you want doctors to...
If you’re going to be adding pieces of art to your estate plan, it’s important to know that this can get a bit complicated. You need to know exactly how to set up the plan so that your wishes are honored and so that you help your heirs avoid disputes. Whether you have...
When you die intestate (without leaving a will), the distribution of your estate to loved ones will be guided by state law. It is a situation millions of American families find themselves in, given that most people do not have a will when they pass away. Let’s look at...
When you leave a will behind, your estate must go through probate. It can be an expensive, time-consuming court process, and your loved ones must wait until the end to gain ownership of their inheritance. In addition, your estate may be exposed to certain adverse...
Estate planning is commonly associated with elderly individuals or those who have fallen ill, but it really can benefit anyone. In fact, the earlier you start your estate planning the better. One of the first steps you are going to want to think about is drafting a...
