As we age, our cognitive abilities will naturally decline. At first, the signs of this decline are relatively mild such as forgetting where the remote is or forgetting to wear a jacket when it's cold outside. Depending on how bad …
Sometimes the probate process that occurs after a person’s death can become much more complicated. This is often the case in the state of California where certain residents may own property that exists in other states. Navigating …
Many trusts are operating in California, and these are designed to oversee a massive amount of assets in a variety of ways. Trustees are the people who hold legal responsibility for managing trusts. Most trustees manage these trus…
The death of a loved one is an unfortunate but unavoidable time for families throughout California. One way people can provide for their loved ones after passing away is with a proper estate plan. And there's almost no more vital …
Estate planning in California is essential to protecting your family’s financial future. However, believing what anyone says without question can lead to costly mistakes, especially in trust litigation. To clarify, it is essential…
In California, the role of a probate judge is crucial in ensuring a smooth transfer of assets to a decedent's heirs. Probate judges ensure the settlement of the estate's debts and asset distribution according to the deceased's wis…
Being named the executor of an estate in California involves many duties. Chief among them will be the responsibility to ensure that all debts owed by the estate are paid off in a timely and full manner. You must also ensure that …
Financial planners encourage people in California to execute power of attorney (POA) documents in case of an unforeseen emergency. The POA allows the principal to name an agent to act on their behalf in financial and/or healthcare…
Many California residents include trusts in their estate plans because they give them greater control over how their estates will be administered and allow their assets to be distributed without first going through the probate pro…
If a California resident dies without a will, there are laws in place that determine who inherits their property. These individuals are known as "heirs-at-law." Identifying heirs-at-law is also important in determining who can cha…
Intentionally defective grantor trusts or IDGTs are used in estate planning to put a hold on specific assets. In effect, it freezes the assets for the purposes of estate tax, but the same does not apply to income tax. If you're wo…
California hospitals must consult with your next of kin if you become incapacitated or have an accident. The person the hospital contacts can make healthcare decisions since you cannot speak for yourself. However, hospitals must d…
