Most Americans would like their heirs to experience asset division without an undue amount of stress. However, it is not always possible to partition an estate evenly, and there is also the reality of different adult heirs having different levels of aptitude and...
Estate Planning
3 tips for creating advance directives
When people become ill and discover the diseases they developed have no cure, the discussion of advance directives may arise as families gather to help decide which end-of-life care a loved one desires. These conversations are often difficult; however, discussing a...
What are the duties of an agent under a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a good tool to have in your estate plan. It can be beneficial if you cannot act on your own behalf because it allows someone you appoint to do so. The person you appoint is the agent. This person has a lot of power, but it is not unlimited....
What are revocable and irrevocable trusts?
Many people know the power of wills and why it is important to have one in place before you die. However, a will is not the only way to manage your money after your death. More and more Americans are taking advantage of revocable and irrevocable trusts. Depending on...
How to avoid favoritism in your estate plan
When crafting your estate plan in California, it is important to avoid favoritism. Biased asset division can wreak havoc on an already-struggling family after your death. Here are some guidelines to help ensure family peace after your passing. How to avoid favoritism...
The importance of an advance healthcare directive
An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that outlines your wishes related to healthcare. Although having one is not a requirement, there are numerous benefits to having one on file. There are four parts to an advance directive, and you can complete all or...
What should I know about when a power of attorney goes into effect?
A power of attorney gives another person the ability to make decisions on your behalf. It is usually used as part of an estate plan to prepare for a situation in which you cannot make decisions yourself due to medical incapacity. The Superior Court of California...
What duties do executors manage?
The executor of an estate manages quite a few tasks and acts as a central figure to the entire plan. Thus, it is crucial for a person to think carefully before naming anyone executor. One of the things to consider is the actual tasks that your executor will need to...
Are handwritten wills valid in California?
A will is an essential estate planning document that ensures that a person’s property passes on to heirs and beneficiaries as he or she intended. Typically a will is a typewritten document that at least two people must witness and sign. However, in some cases, an...
Taking a look at first-party special needs trusts
If you are thinking about creating an estate plan to help a disabled family member, or you have a disability and want to set up an estate plan for yourself, it is vital to understand various estate planning options and find the most advantageous strategy. Special...