The majority of us understand the importance of proper estate planning, but it is also important to understand what will happen if you die without a will. Many people in the US each year pass away without having properly planned for their estate, and it can cause a...
If you are like most people, your home is your most valuable asset, and you likely have very clear ideas about what you want to become of it when you pass away. If you have children, chances are that you want it to go to them. How do you ensure your wishes become a...
Some California estates must pass through probate court when the person dies. Understanding this process can inform estate planning and guide the deceased individual's family members. Whether planning an estate or serving as an executor, Californians should learn...
As you begin the estate planning process, a nagging thought may linger in the back of your mind: despite your many efforts to preserve assets to benefit your heirs in the Bay Area and beyond, the government will have its inevitably impact on your estate through taxes....
An “estate plan” is a collection of legal documents written by an attorney and signed by you. They may tell the story of how you want to be treated when you get older or sick. They may say who you want for guardian of your kids. Then, at your death, these documents...
The Estate and the Probate Process When it comes to drafting an estate plan, you want to make things as easy on your family as possible. As such, you want to do what you can in your documents to decrease the legal hassle that may follow your death. Probate court is...
Many people assume that a will is the cornerstone of any good estate plan, but the truth is that wills are the most rudimentary of estate planning documents. Survivors can contest a will, and wills are subject to probate, which is an often lengthy and expensive...
Thinking about death is never pleasant, but creating an estate plan is necessary. You do not want the loved ones you leave behind embroiled in conflict over your estate. Drafting a will is the first step in the process. At first, creating a will may seem simple....
There is no perfect trust. They all have their pros and cons. When individuals do thorough estate planning, however, they may come across a trust that feels absolutely perfect for their needs. The key is knowing what the options are to choose wisely. Understanding...
Estate planning is not something that people really enjoy. After all, it is planning for your own death. However, it is an important process. By believing myths or allowing half-truths to keep you from planning your estate, you are only setting your family up for a...
