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....
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...
Adult children are often very interested in what estate planning their parents have done. In some cases, they are worried that the parents do not have an estate plan at all. In other cases, they want to know more about how that plan will affect them. One concern that...
When a loved one passes away and their will is called into question, undue influence often becomes a central issue. This concept can make a will invalid if someone manipulates or pressures the person creating it. If you believe that a will was influenced unfairly,...
Fraud can cause serious problems in estate planning. In California, certain types of fraud can make a will completely invalid. When this happens, the court may throw out the will and distribute the estate based on earlier documents or state law. When preparing for...
In estate planning, a pour-over will complements a revocable living trust. It directs assets not transferred to the trust during your life into the trust when you die. This tool acts as a safeguard to maintain the structure of your estate plan. How pour-over wills...
Creating a valid will is an important step to ensure that your assets go to your chosen beneficiaries after your death. California law outlines specific requirements for a will to qualify as legally valid. Understanding these requirements helps prevent disputes or...
In California, a spouse has significant rights during probate, even if omitted from a will. The state’s laws aim to protect spouses from being unintentionally excluded from their fair share of an estate. Understanding these rights can help spouses navigate this...
When it comes to estate planning, many turn to do-it-yourself (DIY) wills to save time and money. While these wills may seem sufficient for simple estates, they pose significant risks for those with international assets. Differences in international laws Every country...
Advance directives ensure others honor your healthcare choices when you can't communicate. These documents spell out your decisions on medical care and more. In turn, this helps others understand your wishes during critical times. One significant choice you can...
