Category Archives: Estate Planning
Are Pet Trusts Legal in California?
Many individuals worry about whether their pets will be cared for after their passing. This is especially true for elderly citizens who have spent years bonding with a service animal or a trusted animal companion in their twilight years. But how can you make sure that your animal gets to experience a happy, meaningful… Read More »
Creating a Living Trust in California
A living trust is an arrangement under which one person, referred to as a trustee, legally holds the title to a property for another, referred to as a beneficiary. A living trust can be a valuable tool when planning an estate. When considering a living trust, however, it is important to understand the different… Read More »
Estate Planning Amid the Novel Coronavirus
The novel Coronavirus has struck the world on an unparalleled scale. As of June, COVID-19 cases in the State of California have toppled 100,000 cases, and based on recent reports, the number of cases keep escalating. In the midst of this uncharted territory, it is critical to take a closer look at one’s personal… Read More »
Important Information You Should Consider When Drafting a Living Will for Medical Decisions
Being prepared for an expected or unexpected medical condition that can leave you with the inability to communicate can be a vital decision not just for yourself, but for your loved ones as well. With a small investment in time and planning, you will be able to prepare for the medical care you want…. Read More »
Medical-Related Reasons That Can Help You Consider Drafting a Living Will
Planning for our immediate future is something we constantly do. Considering planning for a time when we are physically and mentally unable to make decisions, however, is not something most people rush to do. Planning for a time where we may become mentally incapable to make our own decisions can be difficult. It is… Read More »
Can I Include Overseas Properties in My Estate Tax Plan?
As society has grown more interconnected and globalized, many Americans have chosen to purchase assets or property in different countries. When it comes to estate planning, any potential purchasers understandably want to ensure that all of their property and assets, regardless of location, will be distributed according to their personal wishes upon their death…. Read More »
Probate Law: Wills vs. Living Trusts in California
In the State of California, many people will fail to establish what will become of their property and/or assets for a time in which they are unable to look after it. There are countless reasons that could leave a person in the devastating inability to maintain their desires in regard to what will happen… Read More »
How Do I Make Sure My Spouse has Enough Money to Cover the Cost of Funeral Arrangements?
After losing a loved one, the last thing a person wants to worry about is finding the money to respectfully say their final goodbyes. Unfortunately, this is an increasingly common problem as the cost of funerals has skyrocketed in last few decades. In 2017, the average cost of a funeral was almost $7,200 –… Read More »
How to Avoid Probate in California
Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s assets are distributed. In California, like in many other states, probate can be an expensive and time-consuming affair, especially in circumstances in which the will is contested or the estate is large. Considering that the probate process usually begins immediately after the death of… Read More »
How Estate Planning can Reduce Your Tax Burden
Tax preparation is an essential consideration when creating an estate plan. When creating an estate plan, there are multiple taxes that California residents should seek to avoid, including income taxes, estate taxes, and inheritance taxes. When dealing with a sizable estate, these taxes can potentially reduce the size of your estate by a large… Read More »
