Regardless of age or financial status, taking steps to map out the future is a must. The goal of good estate planning is to ensure that a person’s legatees know how to organize and distribute their assets and affairs according to their wishes. Before starting the...
Estate Planning
What is a living trust?
When planning for the distribution of assets, you can use various estate planning tools. One such tool is a living trust. Living trust According to CNBC, 67% of Americans do not have an estate plan. A living trust is a legal arrangement in which a person called the...
Ways parents can plan financially to help their kids’ guardians
In California, many parents put their children's well-being above all else. That is one reason they designate guardians during estate planning. Another important aspect is financial planning in case guardianship becomes necessary. Comprehensive emergency fund Building...
What is a trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement designed to manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries. A trust is a fiduciary relationship in which the grantor, who owns the assets, transfers them to a trustee. The trustee then manages these assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries...
What are some common advance directives?
Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your healthcare preferences and decisions. This ensures people care about and follow your wishes if you die or become unable to communicate with them later. To learn more, it is helpful toi explore...
Safeguarding wills against challengers
Wills exist to pass on the final wishes of the deceased. They are the embodiment of the last remnant of their human will. However, it is not uncommon for wills to face challenges, especially when they involve large assets. By taking steps during the construction of...
3 things to discuss with your chosen guardian
As a parent, one of the most important estate planning decisions you can make is choosing a guardian for your children in case something happens to you. Who you pick to care for your kids if you are no longer able will impact their lives significantly. To ensure you...
What is the purpose of an advance directive?
In the journey of life, uncertainties are inevitable. One aspect people often overlook is their health and the medical decisions that may arise in the face of unexpected events. Advance directives are legal documents that help individuals communicate their healthcare...
What are the requirements for a valid power of attorney?
CNBC reported in 2022 that 33% of Americans have some type of estate plan in place. Estate planning can include various tools, such as wills, trusts or powers of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone the authority to act on your behalf...
Do retirement accounts in California need to go through probate?
Understanding the intricacies of retirement accounts and probate is important when doing estate planning. In California, the question of whether retirement accounts need to go through probate is a common concern. Probate is the legal process through which the court...