Initially, only you, your trustee, and your attorney will see your will and trust. Naturally, most people do not want to share copies of their will and trust with their family, as it can lead to conflict. On the other hand, it could help reinforce your intentions...
Our Top Priority Is Your
Security And Peace Of Mind
Estate Planning
Do you need to establish a blind trust?
Fusing the words “blind” and “trust” in relation to your assets sounds unsettling, but it actually makes sense in some situations. As the name suggests, a blind trust is a type of living trust when a grantor and their beneficiary are blind about how a third-party...
What are the qualities of an ideal estate representative?
Dividing a loved one's estate after they pass can be long and tedious. If a will indicates their wishes, the surviving family members would better know what to do next. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, the deceased has no will, and the family must let...
Should I form a trust?
What goes through your mind when you hear the word “trust”? If the idea of “trust fund babies” – individuals who are independently wealthy thanks to a trustor (often their parents) setting aside a whole bunch of cash to set their kid up for life – popped up in your...
When does an estate go through probate?
While not every estate in California will go through the complicated probate process, there are instances where it is required. Even when a there is a will. Probate is expensive and it can be extremely time consuming, not to mention you will have less control over the...
Is my last will and testament adequate?
While it is true the last will and testament is a fine way to divide our assets among those we leave behind, it also tends to leave a lot of legal essentials out. If that happens, then often the beneficiaries need to undergo probate in court to validate the will....
How much do estate taxes reduce someone’s legacy?
For someone who owns valuable real estate or investments, estate taxes are a serious concern. Such obligations could limit how much of your wealth you can pass on to your loved ones when you die. Many people would prefer to plan carefully rather than to pay taxes...
What you need to know about special needs trusts
Do you have a family member with special needs? If so, you likely understand that you will need to take steps to ensure they have the financial support needed after you pass away. Public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal, are available...
2 common misconceptions about estate planning
Having a solid estate plan in place is one of the best things you can do to prepare for the future. However, a lot of people hesitate to get one together. It doesn’t help that there are all kinds of misconceptions out there about who needs an estate plan, how they...
3 assets that shouldn’t be included in your will
A will is the foundation of any solid estate plan. By creating a will, you’ll be able to specify your wishes for your assets and designate them for your loved ones upon your death. In the event you die without a will, your loved ones may have to go through the...