Most people believe that having a will is enough to ensure that all their assets will go to their desired beneficiaries after they pass away. While a will is a good starting point for expressing your wishes when you die, some assets are best secured through separate...
Estate Planning
How does a trust bypass the probate process in California?
A trust bypasses the California probate process primarily because the ownership of the assets moves to the trust, not to an individual. When you create a trust, you transfer your assets into it and effectively change their ownership from your personal name to the...
How poor drafting of a will can lead to its invalidity
When creating a will, precision and adherence to legal standards are crucial to its effectiveness. When a will is poorly drafted, it can lead to several issues that might trigger challenges and potentially invalidate the will. Here are several ways poor drafting can...
What inheritance rights do stepchildren have in California?
When a person dies without a will, intestate succession laws can come into play, allowing the court to appropriately intervene and distribute the deceased's estate. These laws have provisions indicating specific designations concerning legal heirs and beneficiaries,...
Why should you structure your estate assets to avoid probate?
When you think about the future and the legacy you will leave behind, it is essential to understand the processes that will unfold after you pass away. One of these is probate, a term that might sound distant and technical until it becomes a part of your family's...
How can you support charities in your estate plan?
For residents of California looking to support charities through their estate plan, there are several effective strategies to consider. With charitable giving in mind, estate planning can fulfill philanthropic goals and provide tax benefits. Understanding the various...
Who will inherit my estate?
People may forego estate planning because they believe their estate will automatically transfer to their family and loved ones. The individual or entity who will inherit your estate will depend on your properties and relationships with the people you leave behind. The...
3 smart estate planning moves for those with minor children
Becoming a parent means taking responsibility for someone else's life for a time. Children cannot make their own medical decisions or earn money to pay their bills. They rely on their parents for virtually everything. New parents typically want to provide everything...
How can a living trust protect you and your estate?
A living trust is a legal financial planning tool you can use to merge your property and assets into a single sheltered entity. Although several types of trusts exist, a living trust can allow you to maintain control over your trust assets while you are alive. At the...
What are the basic steps involved in the estate planning process?
Estate planning is not a straightforward process, but it can allow any individual of legal age and sound mind and body to safeguard their best interests and that of their loved ones. Understanding the basic steps involved in estate planning is crucial. Gather and...