Tying the knot will change your life in a number of ways, including your estate plan. Now that you have a new spouse, there are changes you can make to ensure that both of you are protected in the future.Here are a few points of consideration: Name your spouse as your...
Wills
What do attorneys look for to assess testamentary capacity?
Attorneys who aid clients in preparing their wills are required to assess that individual's testamentary capacity to execute such a document. The reason why lawyers are required to do this is because the decisions that you include here carry a lot of weight. If you're...
Durable financial power of attorney: Do you need it?
There is no legal requirement to create a durable financial power of attorney but with so many benefits, it's something to strongly consider.Through a durable financial power of attorney, you give another individual, known as a financial agent, the power to manage...
Take steps to prevent a will contest upon your death
When creating a will, it's natural to think about what will happen upon your death. After all, that's a big part of estate planning.This could lead you to consider the idea that a will contest could come into play. Since you don't want this to happen, here are some...
What does the executor of a will do?
When creating a will, you can't finalize the process until you've selected an executor. While you could make just any decision and hope it works out, this is a big risk that could put your estate at risk and your loved ones in an awkward position after your...
The three types of wills recognized in California
Determining how to leave one's assets after death can be difficult. There may be a number of emotions that come into play pertaining to one's own mortality and relationships with loved ones. As a result, some may find it difficult to find the best path forward....
Digital wills may cause estate planning headaches
It seems like nearly every aspect of our lives is becoming digitized. Estate planning may be no different. In fact, some states are even making it legal to create electronic wills. Although it may sound like this process is convenient, it can actually present...
Why should I create a will?
Have you been putting off estate planning? If so, you're not alone. Many Californians struggle to get around to dealing with estate planning.Although many of these individuals view the process almost like a chore, the fact of the matter is that estate planning is...
Add clarity to your estate plan with letters of instruction
A will can be an integral part of your estate plan. It typically dictates how assets are to be divided, which sometimes includes pouring assets over into a trust. Poorly drafted wills can present a number of legal problems, including the risk that the document will be...
Estate planning and the pour-over will
Oftentimes, a will serves as the foundation of an estate plan. When a will is improperly drafted, an individual's estate may be in jeopardy. This is because a poorly created will can lead to ambiguity, challenges, a lengthy probate process and even an undesired...