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....
Estate Planning
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...
3 concerns about your children that may necessitate a trust
Parents thinking about what happens to their children when they die often put a lot of careful consideration into the inheritance they leave for each child. Your plans can serve as a final reminder to your children of how much you love them. The inheritance they...
You are never too young to do estate planning
Many people make the mistake of assuming that they are too young to create an estate plan. This is one of the top reasons for procrastination. Someone in their 30s may know that they need a plan, for example, but they will decide that they’ll circle back and make that...
When should business succession planning start?
Business succession planning is the process of passing a business on to someone else. For many business owners, this means giving it to the next generation. It’s a family business and they want to pass it on to their children. But there are also options to pass it to...
The pros and cons of funding spendthrift trusts
When your kids were growing up, they all had distinct personalities and traits. Those qualities likely continue to manifest in adulthood, at least in some form. Now that it’s time to do your estate planning, you wonder how to best protect your heirs after you’re gone....
Can your children actually inherit your property?
As you consider your estate planning, odds are that you just assume your children are going to be the main beneficiaries who get your assets when you pass away. This may not be the case if your spouse is still alive and they have a claim first, but you do think that...