Do you worry about the best way to provide for your loved ones after you pass away? You are certainly not alone in this. Sometimes, providing for loved ones through an estate plan is not as simple as leaving behind a lump sum inheritance. Some people, for a variety of reasons, may not be best…
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What Should You include in Your Living Will?
A will is often a prominent feature in an estate plan. Lesser known, but still very important in estate planning, is a living will. A living will and a will are two very different legal tools. Their similarities seemingly end at their names and the fact that both should be included in a strong, comprehensive…
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Homestead Exemption
t is always an unexpected pleasure when amendments to government statutes provide benefits instead of increased costs. Fortunately, as of January 1, 2021, this has happened relative to homestead exemptions in California. The plan used previously has been replaced by a more sensible one with several advantages to homeowners. Nonetheless, as is typically the case,…
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Legal Grounds for Contesting a Will
After the passing of a loved one, there may be people that are surprised, disheartened, or outright angry about the contents of his or her will. Please know that a will cannot be challenged or contested solely on the grounds that a person does not like or agree with its terms. Emotions can run high…
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Requirements for Establishing a Valid Will in California
A will can play a central role in developing an estate plan that meets the unique needs and circumstances of a person. It may be best known for setting out who will inherit what property upon a person’s death. A will can also, however, name a guardian for a minor child as well as name…
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How to Create a Valid Will in California
A Last Will and Testament, usually referred to as simply a “will,” can accomplish many things in your estate plan. It is perhaps best known for being the mechanism outlining how you wish your property to be distributed after you pass away. A will, however, can do much more. You can name the executor of…
Continue reading…Coronavirus Should Have You Considering These Estate Planning Essentials
Why is it so important to have a power of attorney? The coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the nation and causing a wave of illness and death in its path. The news today is fraught with ever dire reports about the number of people critically ill or dying due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the…
Continue reading…Avoid These 3 Basic Estate Planning Mistakes to Protect Your Loved Ones
What will happen if I die without a will in place? The death of a loved one will cause tremendous sadness and emotional upheaval. The last thing any of us want is for our family to incur additional hardships after our death due to a lack of effective estate planning. After you die, your assets…
Continue reading…Here’s Why You Need an Estate Plan
There is a common misconception out there that only wealthy people need an estate plan. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you make $10,000 a year or $1,000,000 a year, you absolutely must have an estate plan. In fact, if you have any assets at all, you need an estate plan to ensure…
Continue reading…Minimize Potential Family Conflict Surrounding Your Estate Plan
How can I avoid a challenge to my will after my death? Your estate plan represents your last wishes to your heirs and loved ones. The decisions you make concerning who will receive what assets will be done with much thought and care. At times, you may be forced to make the tough decision of…
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