How to Protect Assets in California
Asset protection is a type of legal planning that keeps your property safe from creditors and lawsuits. Asset protection is completely legal in California and it is important to protect assets in California, especially if you have worked hard to accumulate money and properties. An asset is something that is owned by you or something […]
Importance of a Living Will in California
A living will in California is an essential document to include in your comprehensive estate plan. It is a legal document that states your healthcare preferences for end-of-life care. A Living Will helps you prepare for the unexpected such as a life threatening car accident or an illness which quickly causes deterioration. It addresses decisions […]
Does California have Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax?
When it comes to estate planning and inheritance, understanding the tax implications is crucial. In California, residents may wonder if there is an estate tax or an inheritance tax in the state. The good news is there isn’t a state estate tax or an inheritance tax in California. There is however a Federal Estate Tax […]
Five Things to Know about California Probate
California Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away. Its purpose is to administer their estate by paying outstanding taxes, paying off debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. In California, unfortunately, the probate process can be complex and time-consuming. Here are five things to know about the California probate process. Consult […]
Naming Your Trustee
Selecting a trustee to handle your trust can is an important choice. While it may be tempting to name your best friend or family member to the task, it’s important to understand what the trustee’s job will include before naming your trustee. Person of Good Character Your Trustee should be a person of good character. […]
What is a Successor Trustee
A successor trustee refers to a person, or persons, tasked with managing and administering the terms of a trust when the trust’s creator called the grantor, can no longer administer the trust on their own. While that can refer to situations where the grantor has passed on, it can also apply to situations when the […]
Responsibilities of a Personal Representative
A personal representative, or an executor, refers to an appointed individual charged with the responsibility of managing the person’s estate. This represents a huge responsibility for the executor, even for seemingly modest estates. As the personal representative, they will be required to take care of the details of finalizing the estate after you have died. […]
Second Marriages and Estate Planning
Second marriages are very common and they are one of the most important reasons to have your estate plan updated or in some cases, created. When it comes to second marriages and estate planning there are considerations you did not have with your first marriage. You want your estate plan to reflect what is important […]
Reasons to Update My Estate Plan
For many people, the idea of creating an estate plan may be a “one and done” situation: they create the plan, then they put it aside and think no more about the subject. But there are reasons to update an estate plan you may want to consider. Life brings changes, and because those changes can […]
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
Estate planning tends to be something most people associate with married couples. But unmarried committed couples are very common in today’s society. There may be reasons a couple chooses not to marry but still want to insure their beloved is provided for. Estate planning for unmarried couples is just as important therefore as for married […]
