In last week's post we discussed what assets are included in one's estate under California law for estate planning - and estate tax - purposes. One of the assets we mentioned in that post is life insurance. If a person is the owner of a life insurance policy, the proceeds of that policy will be included in their taxable estate for federal estate tax purposes.
Posts tagged "Trusts"
Benefits of an inter vivos trust in the event of incapacitation
Thinking in the worst case scenario is often uncomfortable for California residents, but to ensure financial stability and that wishes are carried out, in the event of incapacitation, it is necessary. One method that can be beneficial to protecting one's property and financial assets is by having a living trust. Before moving forward with it, however, it is important to understand how it can be beneficial.
Protecting Californian children with a trust
While it might be an uncomfortable subject for people in Sacramento to broach, the realities of life are that death is inevitable. With that in mind, people with children need to be aware of the various options that are available when it comes to estate planning. This is especially true if the children are young. Having a grasp on what works best for the individual can help in making an informed choice.
Trustees have broad powers under California law
In California, trusts have long been a favored means of estate planning. Trusts provide great flexibility can help avoid probate and often significant tax advantages.
What are the duties of a trustee in California?
In California, many people opt to use a revocable trust instead of a will as their primary estate planning vehicle. One of the main advantages of a revocable trust is that it can enable the trustor's estate to avoid probate.
California home at center of dispute over Gore Vidal's estate
When novelist Gore Vidal died in 2012, he left an estate worth an estimated $30 million - not including future royalties from his published works. But within months of his death, distant relatives began fighting over the property he left behind, including a $4 million home in Southern California. Several lawsuits were filed, but, recently, the interested parties settled their dispute.
A trust can be an important part of a California estate plan
A trust is an extremely versatile tool for estate planning in California. Last week's post discussed some of the advantages of the living or inter vivos trust. There are other types of trusts, however, each having their own advantages and ability to be tailored to meet a client's specific needs.
How does an inter vivos trust benefit the trustor?
When Sacramento residents are organizing financial assets, a concern that often arises is how the property will be allocated and whether a trust is a sound strategy. This is important for both the trustor and the beneficiary or beneficiaries. One tactic that is often used is an inter vivos trust, also known as a living trust. Before considering this option, it is imperative to have a grasp on what it entails.
Robin Williams estate fight continues in California court
It has been a year since the death of comedian Robin Williams, who committed suicide in his Northern California home on August 11, 2014. Sadly, his widow and his children from previous marriages remain entangled in a bitter dispute over his estate. According to an attorney for the children, Williams' trustees are distressed by the fact that Williams sought to avoid just this kind of dispute when he prepared his estate plan.
Why create a trust while living in Sacramento?
Sacramento is the perfect city to settle down, start a family, open a business or retire. In the midst of all these crazy life decisions, it would be unwise to forget about estate planning tools at your disposal, such as wills or trusts. Once settled in a city like Sacramento, it is likely the perfect time to begin estate planning to address the what ifs. Here is why becoming the trustor of your estate plan is not such a bad idea.
