It is no secret that probate is a complex process and involved parties come across issues more often than not. Nonetheless, anticipating potential roadblocks in probate allows for better preparation. It can lead to a smoother process and potentially reduce the time...
Helping You Through Times of Change
Estate Planning
Why you should consider creating a trust for your pet
Your pet is more than just an animal, they are your family. They are a living, furry confidant who has provided you joy like no other. Yet, have you considered what may happen to your animal companion if something unexpected happens to you? Few people do. In...
Why young adults should engage in estate planning, too
Talks on creating trusts, wills and estate plans often involve people aged 50 and above. They usually have worked for many years, bought properties or are supporting dependents. Estate planning, though, doesn’t only apply to experienced individuals. Any adult in...
Should you create a trust when you already have a will?
When creating their estate plan, many individuals believe that a will is sufficient to ensure their wishes are carried out after their passing. However, this is a common misconception in estate planning. While a will is an essential component of an estate plan, it is...
What can be valid reasons to contest a will during probate?
Probate is often a complex process involving various parties, making it more challenging to navigate based on the circumstances. If the deceased left a will, it could provide direction on what to do with the estate. However, this document can also have different legal...
What happens in probate if there is a missing heir?
An essential part of the duties of an estate’s personal representative is to diligently search, identify and notify all interested parties, such as heirs and beneficiaries, of the probate filing. The personal representative must practice due diligence in locating all...
What happens in case of a missing will in probate?
Wills play a crucial role in probate since they specify deceased estate owners’ wishes as to the distribution of their assets. However, it is not uncommon in probate cases for wills to go missing or for a deceased individual to not leave one at all. When these happen,...
How estate planning benefits you and your elderly parents
Your parents may have seemed invincible when you were a kid. But now that you’re older, you can see a decline in their health and once-sharp memories. Sadly, the illness or death of a parent with no estate plan can impose significant financial burden and emotional...
What can be a breach of fiduciary duty?
In a trust, there are three roles involved: the grantor, the beneficiaries and the trustee. Among these positions, the trustee is responsible for managing the assets within the trust, making them have a fiduciary duty to the trust's owner and beneficiaries. A trustee...
An overview of guardianship for minors
When creating an estate plan, parents may need to consider who would care for their minor children in the event they are unable to, usually through death or incapacity. In California, there are several steps to create a guardianship, which is a legal arrangement where...