Many families struggle with the decision about whether to obtain conservatorship of an elderly or incapacitated family member. You can make some decisions for your loved one without involving the courts. But there are other matters for which you will need legal authority to make decisions for another adult. A California estate planning attorney can […]
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Understanding Fixed and Discretionary Trusts
Trust agreements offer a variety of benefits for both the settlor and the beneficiary. However, there are many different types of trusts. Knowing which type of trust is best for your situation may require assistance from a California estate planning attorney. For example, would you and your beneficiaries gain more advantage from fixed or discretionary […]
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Should I Include a No Contest Clause in My California Will or Trust?
By creating a will or trust, most people assume that their assets are secure, and that their property will be distributed according to their wishes when they die. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Occasionally, disgruntled family members come forward to challenge the validity of a will or trust. In California, there are several reasons […]
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Common California Estate Planning Misconceptions
Most people are generally familiar with the estate planning process, or with what an estate plan is. And many people understand that an estate plan, drafted with the assistance of an experienced California estate planning attorney, is the best way to avoid the probate process and ensure that their assets are passed on in accordance […]
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What Are California Trustees Responsible For?
Being named as a trustee is an important role. Trustees have certain legal duties that they must fulfill, in addition to adhering to the terms of the trust agreement. Even though the trustee has the right to manage trust assets, and the discretion to administer the assets reasonably, the trustee is also bound by certain […]
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Five Estate-Planning Tips for Single Parents
Estate planning is important for everyone, but especially for single parents. Single parents face several estate planning issues that other individuals may not face. Protecting their children is usually the highest priority for single parents. A California estate-planning attorney can help single parents ensure their children have everything they need, even if the parent is […]
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How Do I Know If I’m a Beneficiary?
A beneficiary is a person or legal entity designated to receive assets from a trust or estate. Beneficiaries receive property or liquid assets after a person’s death or according to the terms of a trust. As a beneficiary, you have certain rights. If you believe your rights as a beneficiary were violated, you should talk […]
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Simplify the Estate-Planning Process with this Estate-Planning Checklist
One reason many people do not develop an estate plan is that they believe the estate-planning process is difficult. They do not understand the process or what information they need for an estate plan. A California estate-planning attorney can simplify the estate-planning process by guiding you through each step, including preparing an estate-planning checklist for […]
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Four Estate-Planning Documents You May Need Today
Everyone needs an estate plan to protect themselves, their assets, and their loved ones. Without an estate plan, state laws and probate judges will make sensitive and important decisions for your loved one after your death. Our California estate planning attorneys typically recommend that individuals consider executing at least four basic estate-planning documents (and often […]
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Five Estate-Planning Tips for Newlyweds
You may not be ready for any more planning after planning a rehearsal dinner, wedding, and honeymoon. There is so much planning that goes into a wedding that it can be a bit overwhelming at times, while still being exciting and joyful. However, there is one important matter that many newlyweds overlook – estate planning. […]
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