Estate Planning

Adults generally have the legal authority necessary to establish estate plans. They can draft wills and fund trusts. They can also plan for potential future emergencies. Unmarried and divorced individuals, adults preparing for retirement and those facing major medical...

When many people make an estate plan, they are often aware that they may need to update it over the course of their lives. They look for key life events that mean it is time to make a significant change. But for those who do not have an estate plan yet, these life...

Wills are powerful and potentially valuable legal instruments. Testators drafting documents or updating wills that they drafted elsewhere may need to learn about California's unique rules. Witnesses are an important part of the estate planning process. They can help...

One document you may want to use in your estate plan is known as a power of attorney. This can typically be a financial or legal power of attorney, or you can use a medical power of attorney. Either way, what you are doing is turning over the right to make certain...

Raising young children is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with immense responsibility. Every parent wants to know their children will be safe, loved and cared for no matter what the future may bring. While it’s difficult to imagine a time when you may...

People in different circumstances require different estate planning documents. Wills and other testamentary instruments are important for those with valuable property and dependent family members. Advance directives discussing the possibility of incapacitation can...

One way that many people think about their estate plans is in terms of dollars. Let’s say they have two children, and they want to treat each of them equally when they die. They may add up the different assets they own to ascertain the overall value. Then they find a...

If you own a business, the income from it will likely form a significant part of your estate. At least it will right now. If you were suddenly left incapable of running things or were to die without warning, then the future of this income source could be in jeopardy....

Testamentary capacity refers to a person’s legal and mental ability to make a valid will. In California, this means the person must understand what a will does, know what property they own and be aware of who their heirs are. A person does not need perfect memory or...

Creating your estate plan isn’t a one-and-done event. Instead, it’s the start of a process that continues until you die. Even though most people don’t want to think about these final affairs, you mustn’t forget to review your estate plan once you have it set.  At a...