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...
Bay Area Estate Planning and Family Law Blog
Avoid these 3 errors when making beneficiary designations
When you open certain types of retirement, life insurance or other financial accounts in California, you typically have to name someone as a beneficiary of those accounts. That way, the party you designate receives the contents from the accounts when you die. However,...
FAQ about special needs trusts
Dependents with permanent disabilities and special needs often qualify for government support such as medical insurance and financial assistance. However, coming into a large sum of money from an inheritance might jeopardize this funding. Knowing when to consider a...
Why you need an estate plan if you do not have children
Many California residents neglect to create estate plans, citing similar reasons for failing to do so. Some say they do not create estate plans because they feel they do not have enough assets to warrant one. Others neglect to put plans in place because they do not...
What is the difference between an executor and an administrator?
The probate process occurs after your death. It is a court case that will handle various issues or tasks involved in closing your estate. To guide the process on your behalf, you will either have an executor or an administrator. These roles are exactly the same, but...
What are the unique aspects of trusts?
You have a range of options for how to set up your estate plan. There are various tools you can use or include. One option is a trust. If you do not know much about this financial vehicle, you should take the time to learn a little about what makes a trust unique and...
What are essential parts of an estate plan?
When creating your estate plan, it is important that you ensure you include everything needed to leave behind clear and detailed instructions for how you want your assets handled after your death. The New York Times explains there are a few items you will need to put...
Can you file for a conservatorship?
When you have a loved one who is either aging and unable to properly take care of him or herself or is experiencing mental illness that prevents him or her from handling daily needs, you likely want to do whatever you can to help. But many times, it is difficult...
3 common misconceptions about probate
When forming an estate plan, everyone hopes to avoid unnecessary complications for their executor, family and heirs. One thing many people worry about is probate. Most estates undergo the probate process, but there are numerous misconceptions about how it actually...
How trusts help you accomplish specific estate planning goals
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...