Under California law, there is now a simple procedure beneficiaries can use to settle estates with assets that do not exceed a certain level. The new law helps these small estates avoid probate and simplifies the task of transferring assets. Probate explained...
Whenever a family member contests, or tries to argue against, certain parts of a will, probate becomes more complicated. If the writer of the will was unduly influenced or distressed during the process, it may mean the beneficiaries have a reason to interrupt probate....
As a California resident crafting your estate plan, you need to select an executor. This is often a source of contention and mental debate for many. After all, your executor will carry out your estate after you pass. This makes them an incredibly crucial figure....
If you are setting up a trust for your children or grandchildren, it is natural to want somebody that will be entirely loyal to your family to serve as trustee. Choosing a trustee, however, is more than just looking for a loyal person. You also want someone with the...
There are a number of different concerns that people have when it comes to estate planning matters. Many people are worried about how their loved ones will react to key decisions such as the way in which they divide assets among beneficiaries. However, some people...
You may have a loved one with mental and physical abilities severely diminished due to an accident, aging or sickness of the body or mind. As a result, your loved one may no longer be able to take sufficient care of himself or herself. We understand that, as a caring...
Planning your estate is essential for protecting your wishes in the future and after you die, but you may not have started this process yet. According to a survey conducted by Caring.com, only 4 out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have created a living trust or a...
The probate process brings with it a number of complexities that you (as an executor) may not anticipate. You no doubt want to justify your family member or friend's trust in appointing you to manage the administration of their estate, yet unless you have an extensive...
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...
