The fiduciary duty that comes with handling trusts requires trustees to act with competence and knowledge when performing their responsibilities. These qualities allow them to manage the trust properly and efficiently in the beneficiaries’ best interests....
Helping You Through Times of Change
Bay Area Estate Planning and Family Law Blog
6 unexpected losses in divorce
Divorce is tough for everyone involved, from the parties divorcing to their children, if they have any, their families and their friends. It can affect everyone around the couple and it can be devastating. However, sometimes divorce is the best option and there are...
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...
Instances that can lead to a change in conservators
When elderly individuals suffer from debilitating conditions such as dementia and are no longer able to manage their finances and property, a court may appoint a conservator to provide necessary assistance. However, the tenure of a conservator is not indefinite. It...
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,...
3 tips to help you emotionally prepare for divorce
Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process that can take a toll on your mental well-being. Emotionally preparing for divorce is just as important as preparing for the legal aspects. Consider these 3 tips to help you navigate the process. 1. Validate your...
Potential risks of conservatorship
Scammers prey on people from all walks of life, but those with mental or physical incapacities are particularly vulnerable. To safeguard them, they or their loved ones can appoint a conservator to manage their care and financial assets. However, because this role has...
Why keeping beneficiaries informed is crucial in trust administration
A trustee must maintain a balance between skillfully managing a trust and maintaining a good relationship with the people involved in the trust’s administration. This includes regularly and clearly communicating the necessary information to the beneficiaries to allow...
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...
3 signs that you need a conservatorship for your aging parents
As people grow older, their ability to make sound decisions and manage their affairs may decline, leading to concerns about their safety and well-being. This decline makes them more vulnerable to poor or costly decisions that could jeopardize their well-being....