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ne of the most frequent questions that families ask is whether a Will is good enough, or whether they should establish a Trust as well. Often, the answer is, “it depends.” Depending on your financial and estate planning goals, a Trust may be […]
Let’s face it – end-of-life planning is an extremely tough issue to talk about. Most individuals and families avoid the topic entirely because, well, it’s not easy thinking death, disability, and circumstances in which one is imagining and planning for irreversible medical circumstances […]
1. What happens if I die without a Will? If you die without a Will, what you own (your “assets”) in your name alone will be divided among your spouse, domestic partner, children, or other relatives according to state law. The court […]
You know you need a Will or Trust. But you’ve been putting it off for too long to remember. With a spouse, aging parents, children from a current or earlier marriage, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and maybe other family members to think about, […]
1. What happens if I die without a Will? If you die without a Will, what you own (your “assets”) in your name alone will be divided among your spouse, domestic partner, children, or other relatives according to state law. The court will appoint a relative to collect and distribute your assets. 2. […]
Starting in 2012, estates of decedents that do not exceed $150,000 do not need to be probated in California. An affidavit or declaration signed under penalty of perjury at least 40 days after the death can be used to collect the assets for the beneficiaries or heirs of the estate. No […]
A Living Trust is a written legal document that partially substitutes for a will. With a living trust, your assets (your home, bank accounts and stocks, for example) are put into the trust, administered for your benefit during your lifetime, and then transferred to your beneficiaries when you die. Most people name […]
Your will is a legal document in which you give certain instructions to be carried out after your death. For example, you may direct the distribution of your assets (your money and property), and give your choice of guardians for your children. It becomes irrevocable when you die. In your will, you can […]