Most California residents who take the time to create estate plans include wills in those plans, but far fewer also establish trusts. Yet, there are many specific estate planning goals you may accomplish with a trust that a will does not enable you to do. According to...
Helping You Through Times of Change
Estate Planning
Do young people really need estate plans?
Estate planning is often associated with people entering their retirement years who have many assets to take care of. However, the process is crucial for people of all ages, including people in their 20s. Creating an estate plan while you are young protects your...
What does an executor manage?
Estate planning is a very difficult thing to manage. Most of the duties outlined within it end up left to the same person, too: the executor of the estate. What exactly does an executor do? What are their duties and responsibilities? Central role of executors Forbes...
What should you focus on when reviewing your estate plan?
An estate plan's maintenance and care do not end when the estate plan itself gets created. It is important to review the estate plan periodically to ensure that it is still up to date. What areas should you focus on when it is time to review your estate plan, though?...
Handling inheritances when beneficiaries do not get along
Dealing with an inheritance can be tough, especially since the topic usually comes up when someone is in ill health or has recently passed. It is even more frustrating when the recipients of the inheritance have personal problems with each other that make...
A look at limited conservatorships and the duties of conservators
A limited conservatorship comes into play in response to the needs of an adult with a developmental disability. What are the types of limited conservatorships and what are the responsibilities of a conservator in such matters? Limited conservatorship of the person...
3 treatments to consider for advanced care planning
At some point in your life, you may be unable to make health care decisions due to a medical crisis that incapacitates you. Such a crisis can affect you at any age. For example, you could experience a traumatic brain injury in a car accident when you are otherwise in...
Should you trust family to run your estate?
An executor plays a crucial role in the managing of your estate plan and in carrying out your wishes. You may immediately lean toward appointing a family member for that reason. But is that the best possible option for you? In reality, you may find that the family...
What it means to be an executor of a will
If someone has chosen you as an executor of their will, you may wonder what is in store for you. This role can come with lots of responsibility, and this may be intimidating to some. However, that does not mean that you need to feel overwhelmed. The more you can...
What is undue influence?
When dealing with estate plans, it is possible to come across the term "undue influence". With luck, most people will not have to deal with a situation involving this. But unfortunately, it is a somewhat widespread problem. What is undue influence, then? Why does it...