A revocable living trust is only as strong as the assets you place in it. An unfunded or partially funded trust can cause unnecessary stress and still require families to go through probate. Careful funding and regular updates help your trust function properly when it...
Setting up a revocable living trust often raises a practical question: who takes on the role of managing the trust assets? The answer might be simpler than you expect. Path to self-trusteeship California allows you to serve as the settlor, trustee and beneficiary of...
A will may be the cornerstone of an estate plan or possibly the only document an adult has in place. The terms that a testator outlines in a will dictate who inherits property from their estates and also who oversees the administration of their estate after they die....
In California, you can use an advance health care directive if you want to spell out your wishes for future medical care. This is a common part of estate planning, especially as people grow older. Your advance health care directive can focus on certain types of...
You may sit down to write a will and feel confident you have accounted for everything, listing your assets, designating beneficiaries and making decisions that appear straightforward and complete. On paper, the document seems final. Yet many wills omit important...
Many pet owners in California worry about what happens to their beloved companions if they pass away or become disabled. If you consider your pets as family, a pet trust offers a way to help provide care even when you can no longer do so yourself. What is a pet trust?...
You lose a parent and then you spot a big “gift” or transfer from the final weeks. Maybe a new caregiver received cash or a sibling took title to a house. When that change feels off you may worry someone took advantage of your parent. California probate court can step...
In an emergency scenario, powers of attorney (POAs) authorize a trustworthy individual to make medical decisions or manage financial matters. They help protect people from receiving medical care that does not align with their wishes or values. They help people avoid...
Some probate litigation begins because there are concerns about the estate planning paperwork. Families can contest a will in specific scenarios that raise questions about the validity of the document. Occasionally, probate litigation occurs because beneficiaries or...
When drafting a will, witnesses play a critical role. If there is ever a dispute about the document in the future, witnesses may have to testify in probate court. They can help confirm the identity of the person who signed the documents. They can also speak to their...
