Estate Planning

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

A will contest is when someone believes that a decedent’s will should not stand. This can lead to a significant dispute between heirs. One person may claim that the will is fraudulent, for example, while the rest of the heirs believe that it is real and should be...

Probate, the legal procedure for validating a will and distributing assets after someone passes away, can be lengthy, costly, and complex. Many things can go wrong during probate, from misappropriation of assets to prolonged legal battles arising from family disputes....