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...
Estate Planning
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)....
Does your estate include a Totten trust?
When you open up a financial account, you answer specific questions. One of these has to do with what you want to happen to the account if you pass away. The bank sets up a payable on death designation based on your wishes. This is formally known as a Totten trust. ...
Guidance for all your California estate planning needs
Having a well-developed estate plan can give you a sense of peace that you never expected. Many in Bakersfield, California, have expressed surprise over how good it feels to complete this critical stage in preparing for the end of one’s life. At first, estate planning...
3 reasons you need an estate plan
Estate planning allows someone to create a will, trust and other end-of-life plans. It also keeps the person’s estate from going through probate after their death. That’s not the only purpose of an estate plan, however. Here are three ways having your estate plan...
3 estate planning mistakes you must avoid
Your estate plan outlines what you want to happen to your assets when you pass away. It’s imperative that you have this in place since you never know what the future holds. Working with someone familiar with estate planning can help you be prepared. While you’re...
Worried about a dispute over your estate? Here’s what to do
Family relationships can be complex and not every family gets along. While you love your heirs, you’re pretty sure that they’re going to end up in a battle over your estate after you’re gone. Is there anything you can do to stop that from happening? Absolutely. While...
Can you contest-proof your will?
One of the reasons individuals draft wills is to clarify what they'd like to happen with their possessions when they're gone. Anyone who dies without a will in place runs the risk of having a probate judge divide their assets per California's intestate succession...