Estate planning can encompass many different matters related to finances and healthcare. To avoid probate problems in California courtrooms, an estate planner might carefully look over their assets and decide what to leave their beneficiaries. Estate plans could be...
Estate planning
Estate planning and your family home
Your California family home not only represents a good portion of your wealth but also provides you with a place to live as you grow older. You may want to pass this asset on to your children or other heirs or use the property to finance your long-term care in your...
Estate planning for California grandparents
Estate planning is a critical step for anyone who wants to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. For California grandparents, estate planning is important, as they may have specific goals and concerns they need to...
What you need to know about life insurance trusts in California
If you have a life insurance policy, there's a good chance you've considered how to leave your loved ones with the financial security they need if something happens to you. You can further enhance this security by creating a life insurance trust in California....
Pay attention to your beneficiary designations
When crafting an estate plan, many Californians think a will is all they need to leave assets to their heirs. Designating beneficiaries and periodically reviewing them is a more accurate way to ensure that you will leave your assets to the proper people after your...
Here’s when to update your estate plan in California
An estate plan is a collection of documents that detail how you want your estate to get managed in the event of your death or incapacity. It's important to keep these documents updated as your life changes, since it can have a significant impact on you and your loved...
Why new parents should have an estate plan
As a new parent in California, you want to make sure that your child lives a comfortable and secure life today and in the future. You want to offer them a good education and a stable home even if something happens to you, which is why you should create an estate plan....
When to discuss an estate plan with loved ones
Estate planning in California is helpful but can create conflicts with those who are named as beneficiaries. A charitable organization that you list as a beneficiary doesn't have the same intrinsic interest in your estate as do your children. It is easy to leave the...
How to use charitable taxes in California to reduce estate taxes
Avoiding estate taxes when estate planning in California can seem complicated. The last thing you want to do is leave your family and loved ones with thousands of dollars in tax liabilities. There are some ways that people can avoid or reduce estate taxes upon their...
What to consider before creating an irrevocable trust
When properly structured, a California judge will likely recognize the validity of an irrevocable trust. Generally speaking, this type of document is used to protect assets from being seized by creditors or from being lost in a divorce settlement. It's also common for...