Year: 2021
When can family members remove the executor of an estate?
Many people have no desire to be the executor of an estate. The role demands a lot of time and effort, and family members may not envy the person delegated to taking on the task. When someone does step up to fill that role, family members often defer to them regarding...
Does estate administration require you to file a tax return?
Serving as the executor of someone's estate is a big responsibility. If you accept that role, there are certain obligations you must fulfill. You don't just need to collect and distribute the deceased person's property. You have to also resolve their personal matters...
Can you fire an employee over a social media post?
A lot of people (incorrectly) believe that the U.S. Constitutional guarantee that permits free speech equals a right to say anything they want -- online or off -- without consequences. While the government can’t tell people what they can say, you (as an...
Starting a medical partnership in California
It’s not unusual for medical professionals to dream about owning their own partnership, but California’s laws surrounding such partnerships are somewhat different than in other states. In addition, medical partnerships can run into unexpected complications when it...
Instances in which you might be able to remove a trustee
Many individuals who fund trusts have significant wealth to be distributed to specific loved ones at different intervals in their lives. It's not necessary to have significant wealth to warrant the funding of a trust, though. Individuals of more modest means may also...
How does cryptocurrency fit into estate planning?
Purchases of cryptocurrency have increased in recent years -- and that's thrown a new curveball into the estate planning process for some families. Estate planning attorneys have learned how to guide their clients in most effectively securing, transferring or gifting...
What are benefits of setting up a living trust in California?
Most people consider creating living trusts as part of their estate planning process. Basically, a living trust is a legal document that shares a lot of similarities with a will. The will lets you name the people or organization that you would want to inherit your...
Ask ‘what if?’ when drafting a trust
A trust is an excellent way to leave money and other assets to the next generation. It gives you control in a way that a will cannot. For instance, a trust could stipulate that the beneficiary has to use it for educational purposes, or it could hold the money until...
What can extend the probate process?
When a loved one passes away, the probate process can end up being immensely frustrating to their relatives. It’s hard to grieve properly when you’re caught up in what seems to be a terribly slow legal process. There are some common reasons (outside of a contested...
Every adult should have a health care directive and power of attorney
Many individuals have at least a rudimentary understanding of the importance of having a will, yet many will still wait until later in life to get their affairs in order. Estate planning, including drafting a will, isn't really something that you should delay. Life is...