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...
Estate planning
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...
Are updates to an estate plan worth considering?
Many people fail to draw up an estate plan, which could leave heirs in a difficult position. Those that take the necessary steps to write a will or devise a trust embrace the planning required to make California estate management potentially less challenging for...
When estate plans should be reviewed and updated
Writing an estate plan is a task that many Californians tend to put off for later, but planning early can help protect their families in case the unexpected occurs. If you have already created an estate plan, however, it is not something that you should simply set...
Questions to ask before challenging a will
If you have reason to suspect that a will should be partially or fully invalidated, it may be possible to challenge its terms in a California court. However, it is important to realize that taking legal action may come with significant financial and emotional...
Ensuring Your Estate is Safe From Creditors
Estate planning in California involves much more than ensuring that you leave enough money for your beneficiaries upon your death as well as minimizing your tax burden now and for your beneficiaries when they receive their inheritance. Protecting your estate from...
It is never too early to begin estate planning
Some California residents may think they have all aspects of their lives planned. They may have homes, careers and possibly children, but they might not have a comprehensive estate plan. If you are young, you may feel that you have ample time to work on the estate...