While they are currently not valid in California, it seems it is only a matter of time before electronic wills are acceptable under the law. There are some states where they already are legal. Because so much of life is electronic now and the state does allow some...
San Jose Estate Law Blog
You are never too young to begin estate planning
Estate planning is typically not a priority for people in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. Although the chances of dying are slim, it is still important to plan for the unknown and provide protection for assets. Starting an estate plan for a young person does not have to...
What can we do if our family trustee misuses the funds?
There are many possible reasons why your family member created the trust from which you and others benefit. One example is to make sure that the beneficiaries do not have unrestricted access to inheritance, or use the money in a manner that the trustor would not...
Determining no-contest clause enforceability
You are no doubt honored to have any interest in the estate of a family member or friend in San Jose. At the same time, however, you may feel troubled by the terms stipulating what that interest actually is. Many in this same position have come to see us here...
What should you know about trusts?
Californian residents have a lot to cover when they start planning their estate. One thing to look into is the possibility of having a trust. Today we will look at two main types of trusts. We will also discuss how to use trusts and how they may benefit you. First,...
Estate planning for pets
Those in California who are setting up their affairs for after they die may be considering what will happen with their beloved animal companions. One thing that some people choose to do is to add instructions for the care of their pets in their wills. Another option...
Are you aware of common reasons for estate disputes?
While taking care of estate planning duties in California, contention and disputes that occur after the passing may be a concern. Unfortunately, family disagreements can arise over estates of any size. Besides planning to take care of loved ones financially, it is...
Which power of attorney should I choose?
Most people tackle estate planning from the standpoint of making preparations for their final affairs. This is not a bad approach to estate planning, but it is not a thorough one. There are other instances when estate planning comes into play while you are very much...
Millennials and estate planning
As the oldest people in the millennial generation draw nearer and nearer to turning 40, more of them may start to think about creating an estate plan. Any millennial who has become a parent may already have done so if they have opted to lay out plans for a...
What information should you include in an advance directive?
While planning your estate in California can seem daunting at first, individually completing the documents that you feel are most critical to your future can help you to better manage your efforts to make the process more efficient and less overwhelming. If you have...