A conservatorship begins when a family member, close friend or even public official files a petition in court showing why someone would need a conservator. The court appoints a conservator based on the nominated party in the petition, giving them the legal capacity to...
Estate Planning
What is a power of attorney?
While it is a perfectly viable option to start your estate planning journey with a simple will, there are a number of important documents you should eventually get in order. One of these documents that can help you prepare for the worst is a power of attorney. The...
What should you include in your will?
If you have yet to put together your estate plan, one of the first legal documents you may create is your will. This document includes information about how you want to distribute your property and assets following your death. According to the CDC Foundation, a will...
What are an executor’s skills?
When you choose an executor for your estate, what should you look for? You might feel like the most important factor is that you can work together and that your executor should understand you. But is that the case? In reality, you may actually want to look at other...
Who should you choose as your estate’s executor?
When you create your estate plan, one task you must complete involves naming an executor. This person is responsible for following the directions and the wishes outlined in your will. According to Forbes, your executor will distribute your assets to named...
When should you update your will?
A will is the foundation of your estate plan. This document outlines what you want to happen to your assets after you die. According to the CDC Foundation, your will is also where you nominate the executor for your estate and the legal guardian for your dependents....
Does the probate court follow the exact terms of a will?
When a loved one passes away, their beneficiaries attend probate court to witness the validation of the deceased's will and oversee the distribution of the estate. Probate can be a lengthy or even burdensome affair, creating the perception that the process is...
The benefits and drawbacks of revocable and irrevocable trusts
There are many reasons for considering a trust as part of your estate plan. Depending on the amount of control you need, you could choose either a revocable or irrevocable trust. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of each. Revocable trust A revocable trust acts as a...
What is a funeral trust?
Even if you have never planned one yourself, you probably understand that putting together a funeral can be a time-consuming and expensive proposition. Indeed, according to the Zebra, Californians spend an average of almost $7,300 for funerals that include burials. If...
Information about limited conservatorships
A limited conservatorship refers to a legal proceeding in which a judge appoints an individual to care, and make decisions, for a developmentally disabled adult. The appointed individual is the conservator, and the adult with the disability is the conservatee. There...