Estate Planning

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...

When you named your current executor, you may have thought they would assume their duties when the time came. However, this may not happen. You may need to name another party to serve. Here are five circumstances that may require you to change your executor: Divorce...

When you’re creating an estate plan, you have to make decisions that go beyond who will receive what assets as their inheritance. Some of these have to do with making sure you’ll be taken care of if you aren’t able to make decisions on your own.  If you become...

When estate planning, you need to choose an executor to manage your estate before distribution. They are required to follow all the instructions in your will, manage your properties, pay debts, file tax returns, communicate with beneficiaries and interested parties...

Did you know that the average person in the United States does not have an estate plan? Reports consistently find that the majority of people haven’t taken this critical step. They have not written a will, drafted a power of attorney, or addressed other important...

One of the documents to draft when estate planning is an advance health directive form. This document allows you to provide health care instructions to be observed if you become incapacitated. This way, your family won't need to spend time figuring out what you would...

Planning your estate is an important step that helps ensure the proper distribution of your assets according to your wishes. This includes creating trusts, such as living trusts, which can provide financial security and avoid probate for your loved ones.  However,...

If you recently received a serious medical diagnosis, you may be reevaluating your estate planning. Perhaps you’re considering using a medical power of attorney. In case of an emergency or if things take a turn for the worse, you want to choose an agent who can help...

Many Americans have a will, which allows them to instruct how their estate should be managed after they pass away – including naming beneficiaries to inherit the deceased’s assets. Before a beneficiary receives any inheritance, they may need to wait for the probate...