Estate planning is something that’s going to be needed by everyone eventually. Most people understand this, which is why the majority of people say that it’s important to have an estate plan. However, studies have also found that the majority of people do not have an...
Estate planning
Why you need a California Advance Health Care Directive
One of the most important documents to include in your estate plan in California is an Advance Health Care Directive. Actually, it’s wise for any adult to have in place, even if they’re not yet ready to develop a full estate plan. An Advance Health Care Directive...
POD accounts skip probate
Are you interested in ways that you can skip the probate process? Maybe you've been thinking about estate planning, and you just want things to happen as efficiently as possible. You also want to avoid any costs that could come along with probate. You're trying to...
How can you disinherit a child while estate planning?
There are many reasons a parent may decide to disinherit one of their children. They may have had a falling out with that child and no longer have a relationship. Their child may have serious issues, like substance abuse problems, that would make an inheritance...
One estate administration mistake that can cost executors a lot
The executor who has been tasked with handling an estate has a lot of responsibilities. They have to locate all of someone's property, repay their creditors, file their final income tax return and distribute the remaining property to the beneficiaries of the estate....
Is leaving your business to your child the right decision?
The company that you purchased, built or inherited may be part of the legacy you have dreamed of leaving for your children. You may have chosen someone, perhaps your oldest child, as your ideal successor for the business. You might intend to leave the company to them...
Are prepaid funerals a good idea?
You’ve always been a responsible person, and you consider your estate plans to be the last, loving act that you can do for your family. Should you, then, invest in a prepaid funeral and burial (or cremation) plan? It seems like that would take some burdens off your...
3 telltale signs that your will might be contested
Thinking about your death is never an easy thing for most people. The very thought that you will one day pass on is usually a challenge for even the strongest among us. However, if you have assets and wish to pass those on in a particular fashion, then it is important...
This is why you need a health care directive
It is important that you have the ability to tell others how you want to be treated if you need medical care. If you’re unable to speak on your own behalf, will the people around you know what you want? If you’re not sure that those who surround you will listen to...
What happens when an heir dies before probate is over?
You’re getting up there in years -- but so are your adult children. While your family has always been a long-lived bunch, there is still the possibility that one of your children won’t live long enough to receive their inheritance (especially if probate drags on)....