Estate Planning

The total value, or size, of a person’s estate can make all the difference in how complicated it is to administer after they’ve died. Part of the reason for this is that it can affect whether it has to go through the formal probate process.  People often use estate...

You may be thinking about writing a will this year. You know that it is time to get an estate plan in place, and a will is the first step that you want to take. You can then add other documents like powers of attorney or other advance directives. But as you begin this...

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....