Advance directives outline a person’s choices for medical care when they cannot speak for themselves. These documents, often linked with older people, offer many benefits for young adults too. Making sure medical choices align with preferences Serious accidents or...
Estate Planning
How do POAs interact with other estate planning documents?
A power of attorney (POA) is an essential part of an estate plan, but it does not work alone. POAs interact with other estate planning documents, such as wills and trusts, to create a comprehensive plan for managing assets and making decisions. Understanding how...
How to choose the best guardian for your children
Choosing the right guardian for your children is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. Your estate plan reflects not only your assets but also your hopes and priorities for your children’s future. There are some important factors to consider when...
How can trusts protect assets from creditors?
Trusts can be helpful tools for keeping your assets safe from creditors. By properly establishing and managing a trust, individuals can secure their wealth for future generations while reducing the risk of losing assets to lawsuits or unpaid debts. Types of trusts...
How can chronic illness impact the contents of an advance directive?
Having an advance directive in place is essential for those with chronic illnesses. As health conditions change over time, it is important to regularly update these documents to reflect evolving needs and wishes. Monitor changes in health status Chronic illnesses...
Reasons a health care directive should be in your estate plan
Incorporating a health care directive in your California estate plan can ensure your medical wishes are honored if you become incapacitated. This legal document, also known as an advance directive, specifies your preferences for medical treatment and appoints a...
When should you create an estate plan?
Creating an estate plan is essential for individuals over 40 who own homes and have children. Estate planning ensures that your assets go where you want them to and provides peace of mind for you and your family. Here’s when you should consider creating or updating...
Does power of attorney override the wishes of a spouse?
Power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives one person the authority to act on behalf of another. This authority can include making financial, medical, or legal decisions. In California, a person can appoint anyone as their agent through a POA, including a...
Estate plan provisions to ensure pets are taken care of
Caring for your pets after you pass away is a critical element of your California estate plan. By incorporating specific provisions, you can guarantee that your pets continue to receive the love and care they deserve. Create a pet trust A pet trust is an effective...
Legal challenges in accessing digital assets after death
Accessing a deceased person’s digital assets can be complex. As more of our lives move online, understanding these challenges is crucial for estate planning and management. Today, digital assets can have extremely high value, especially when linked to cryptocurrency...