It sounds like the plot of a movie – someone tricks, pressures, or forces an older adult to change their will or trust, cutting out everyone else from the inheritance and leaving all or most of the assets to the person who exerted undue influence. California law is intended to protect people from this financial […]
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What Documents Should be Included in Your Estate Planning?
Some people think they do not need an estate plan unless they are married, own a home, have children, and own significant assets. But that is not always the case. A young, single person could have a devastating accident or illness. Without a power of attorney for healthcare decisions, the family might have to go […]
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How Long Does Probate Take in California?
On average, probate in California takes about 12 to 18 months. It can get done in as little as nine months, but that is unusual. If there are any problems, it can take up to two years or longer. There are ways to get assets to your loved ones faster. A California probate attorney can […]
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How Do Trust Disputes Arise?
Whenever there is money involved, there can be conflict. Trust disputes happen when people are not happy with the terms of the trust or how the trustee carries out the duties of the position. Sometimes the person objecting to the trust has a legitimate complaint. Some people challenge trusts hoping to get “free money” or […]
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Estate Planning Tips for Parents of Minor Children
What will happen to your children if you become incapacitated or die today? Who will take care of them? How will they be provided for? These aren’t pleasant thoughts to contemplate, but they are important to consider. Should something happen to you, the last thing you want is your children’s future to be decided by […]
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Identifying Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
Attending to the needs of an aging loved one at home isn’t always easy or possible. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes can offer welcome relief and reassurance that your elderly loved one will receive the care and attention they deserve. However, while many senior care homes provide a loving and supportive environment for their […]
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Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Children
Many children with special needs rely on public funding for their support, like Medicaid for health insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for monthly income. If your estate plan is not set up correctly, your child could lose eligibility for these programs when he or she needs them the most. Whether your child with special […]
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What Is Intestate Succession? Why You Need to Care
If a California resident dies without a valid will or trust, then California law will control who gets their assets. Without an effective estate plan, your assets may pass to heirs you may not prefer, or even to heirs you’ve never met. An estate plan is the only way to ensure that the people you […]
Read MoreWhy You Shouldn’t Wait for the Next Pandemic to Start Your Estate Plan
For many of us, the coronavirus pandemic has generated not only fear, but a call to action. We’ve drastically changed how we live, travel, work, shop, keep in touch with our friends and loved ones, and even how we raise our children. We’ve quickly learned to adapt our behavior to help protect ourselves and our […]
Read MoreShould I Start Estate Planning In My Twenties?
Becoming an adult is a gradual process, often extending over decades. But during your twenties you will likely reach some of the most crucial benchmarks of adulthood. These may include finishing your formal education, living independently for the first time, setting out on a long-term career path, finding a serious romantic partner, marrying, and even […]
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