When creating a trust, you need to take various factors into consideration, such as going over different types of trusts and the pros and cons of each option. If you receive supplemental security income (SSI) or plan on applying for SSI in the future, it is important...
San Jose Estate Law Blog
Determining when to contest a California will
Contesting a will in California is a complex and sensitive matter that you should approach with careful consideration. Understanding the circumstances in which it may be appropriate to contest a will is crucial to protect your rights and ensure a fair resolution. This...
Is now the time to update your estate plan?
Creating an estate plan is an important thing to do. However, the simple creation of the plan is not where things end. For the best results, it is important for people to update their estate plans somewhat frequently. But how does a person know when to do that?...
3 estate planning mistakes to avoid
A solid, up-to-date, estate plan is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones. Despite this, only 34% of Americans have an estate plan. Not having an estate plan at all is one of the most common mistakes. These are some others to avoid. 1. Not...
Can estate planning help your loved ones avoid expenses?
When creating or updating your estate plan, there are options that could help your beneficiaries reduce taxes and court expenses. With fewer fees and lower taxes, more of your wealth can pass down to your heirs. Furthermore, you can save your loved ones from the...
What does not belong in a will?
A will is the legal document that travels through probate court after your death. It sets out how you want personal property handled and, ultimately, disbursed after your death. While it acts as a master key, of sorts, to your estate, there are exceptions to what it...
Can you avoid these commonly litigated estate issues?
Creating a plan for your family's future after your death is the primary goal of your estate plan. However, sometimes issues crop up during probate that may open your estate up for a legal fight. Someone may initiate estate litigation for a variety of issues. Take a...
Is a funeral trust right for you?
If you have had to plan a loved one's funeral, you might already know just how expensive end-of-life expenses and final arrangements can be. In fact, according to World Population Review, the average funeral in California costs almost $12,000. You can spend...
Lonely seniors might be more vulnerable to undue influence
Watching parents age can be difficult for anyone. This is especially true if your parents must move into a nursing home or another long-term care facility. After all, these places can be isolating, causing residents to experience extreme loneliness. According to the...
How can you maintain control over your own funeral?
Most individuals eventually are going to have a funeral. Still, no two funerals are exactly alike, with family and religious traditions often determining how they unfold. It is not uncommon for individuals to pay a small fortune for funerals, though. In fact,...