Life is full of changes. Some of them are planned for, but others are unexpected, as is often the case with the birth of a child. Other matters can also seemingly come out of the blue, such as spur-of-the-moment marriage or divorce. While these changes can certainly...
Wills
Using a will to name a guardian for a minor child
Most Californians think of estate planning as something that is done as they grow older and prepare for the distribution of assets upon their own death. While this is true in many instances, estate planning should actually occur at a much younger age and be modified...
Medicaid and the special needs trust
When deciding how you want to distribute your assets upon your passing, you can make the process as simple or as complex as you wish. The key is to utilizing whatever tools and processes make your vision of the future come true. For many Californians, this means...
We help Californians with wills, estate plans and modifications
Last week on the blog we discussed the tragic passing of Anthony Bourdain and some of the more particular issues he addressed through his will. It highlights an important concept: estate plans can be custom-tailored to meet an individual's desires. This means that if...
Anthony Bourdain’s estate plan addressed flyer rewards
Many people were shocked to hear the news that celebrity travel guru and chef Anthony Bourdain passed away recently. The man, who was open and honest about having to live paycheck-to-paycheck well into his 40s, became famous by exposing the secrets of the kitchen and...
Who is allowed to try to invalidate a will?
Wills can be powerful estate planning tools that can ensure that an individual's estate in California is distributed in accordance with his or her wishes upon death. However, in order for a will to be valid, certain legal requirements must be met. While the vast...
How to make modifications to a will
Taking even the most basic steps can be huge when it comes to estate planning. After all, this often means that an individual in California is prepared to confront the reality of his or her mortality with an eye on the futures of those he or she loves. While estate...
A joint will is not always a good legal option
Readers of this Sacramento estate planning blog can find a great deal of information about wills on this site. However, one unique will-related topic has not received much attention but deserves a discussion to introduce readers to its interesting legal significance....
The fiduciary duty of the estate administrator of a will
Being asked to serve as the administrator of a loved one's estate is both an honor and an obligation imposed upon a California resident. Although a well-crafted estate plan that takes into consideration methods of avoiding probate and removing ambiguity from the plans...
Are holographic wills valid in California?
Most Californians imagine wills to be formal legal documents full of jargon and clauses that are typed on fancy paper and signed by serious witnesses. However, not all wills fall into this category. In California and other states throughout the nation, holographic...