The chances are not everyone may be happy with every decision you make in your estate plan. And this is something you may need to accept. Despite using a reliable criterion and considering crucial factors, some beneficiaries may find a reason to contest your will....
Estate Planning
Estate planning for a family member with special needs
Estate planning can be a challenging task for any family. However, the process becomes more complex when a family member has special needs. In California, families must consider the unique needs of their loved ones with special needs when planning for their estates. ...
Are your children ready to receive an inheritance?
You’ve worked hard for many years to pass on a decent inheritance to your children. They are getting older now and someday the time will come when they will inherit significant assets. You trust your children completely but want to make sure that they are prepared for...
Does everyone need a will?
If you are 18 years of age or older, you have likely heard that you need to make a will and that you need to review it at least once each year to make sure that it is updated. But… do you really? If you’re a younger adult, you may not own many assets and you may not...
Does closeness matter in estate planning decisions
Estate planning is one of the crucial things to do in life. You need to make reasonable judgments to protect your wishes and loved ones. Thus, excellent decision-making skills are necessary when creating all documents of an estate plan. Nonetheless, this can be...
Is a testamentary trust right for you?
A testamentary trust is created in a person's will and takes effect upon death. It is a legal arrangement that allows you to control how your assets are distributed after you pass away. While a testamentary trust can be a great estate planning tool, it may not be the...
As a small business owner, you need to plan your estate
When you run your own business, it’s easy for the weeks, months and even years to pass you by in an instant. You can feel like you’re always up against the clock. While this may be great for your business, it can mean that you don’t take the opportunity to plan for...
How regularly should you update your estate plans?
Estate planning is an ongoing process that requires regular updates to ensure the plan still reflects your wishes and meets your current needs. Failure to update estate plans can lead to unintended consequences, such as assets being distributed in ways unintended. So,...
Can you leave an inheritance to a minor heir?
Leaving an inheritance to underage heirs can be a complicated and delicate issue. While leaving an inheritance to a minor is possible, you need to surmount some tricky hurdles. With legal requirements and potential pitfalls to overcome, it's essential to approach the...
How to talk to your elderly parents about estate planning
Talking to your parents about what should happen to their possessions after they pass away is never an easy conversation to have. No one wants to anticipate losing a loved one and it can feel maudlin to discuss the thought of them no longer being around. The...