Estate Planning
What should you consider when creating a special needs trust?
Estate planning is a great way of helping to ensure that your loved ones are provided for and your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. This includes those with special needs, whose care and financial security can be safeguarded through...
Why do all adults need a digital estate plan?
Take a minute to consider what you do online every day. How many accounts do you access that require a login? What do you store in the Cloud? Do your loved ones know how to access your digital footprint in these ways and what you’d like done on your behalf in the...
When should you consider updating your will?
The decision to create a will is one that you should never take lightly. Done right, a will can clear any doubts regarding your wishes and ensure that your legacy and loved ones’ future are safeguarded. For your will to effectively reflect your wishes, however, it...
When should someone create an advance health care directive?
The purpose of an advance health care directive is to guide the medical treatment that someone receives if they cannot speak on their own behalf. An advance health care directive executed in compliance with California law can designate what kind of treatment someone...
3 questions to ask when estate planning
Estate planning is the process of instructing how your assets should be handled in anticipation of your passing. Your estate plan may be a proactive attempt at making it easier for your family and friends to settle your estate. Estate planning is a complicated...
3 tips for telling loved ones about your estate plan
Creating your estate plan is one of the most important tasks you have as an adult. This enables you to let your loved ones know how you want your assets distributed after you die. It also provides them with information about what you want to happen if you become...
What protections does an irrevocable trust offer?
An irrevocable trust is a powerful tool for asset protection and long-term financial planning. It’s not easily changed once it has been established, which provides a variety of protections for the assets within the trust. This is especially valuable in California,...
2 things to do when planning to make charitable will bequests
In recent years, more Americans are playing an active role in philanthropy by supporting charitable organizations throughout their lives. Many are also interested in continuing their support once they leave this world. You can make charitable donations in your will to...
When might people add trusts to their estate plans?
For many people, simplicity is their main objective during the estate planning process. Many testators aspire to achieve as much as possible with the fewest documents. However, there are certain goals people cannot achieve with a simple will. More involved documents,...
How to leave assets to caregivers and avoid a family will contests
Are you one of the many Americans who’s “aging in place?” Even if you’re living in your own home and leading a relatively independent life, you likely still rely on one or more people to help you with things like repairs, getting to and from doctors’ appointments and...