Living trusts are a helpful estate planning tool that can allow you to avoid the frustrations and fees associated with probate. Probate is the court process required to distribute a deceased individual's property if the deceased individual had no trust and no...
Duties of an Executor in California and What They Legally Can or Cannot Do In California, being nominated as the executor of a will means you have been appointed a fiduciary duty to stick to the will's terms in compliance with California law. With this duty, you may...
Property Tax Transfers and Proposition 19 The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, or Proposition 19 (Prop 19), was approved by voters in California in November 2020. Prop 19 has several parts. It...
Estate planning is a necessity when it comes to protecting your loved ones and assets after your death. There is a lot to understand when estate planning, so it's best to gain a solid understanding of terminology and concepts before you start planning. Learn more...
When to Start Estate Planning When you think about wills, trusts and estate planning, it's natural to assume they are things you don't need. You might be young or not own many things of value just yet. If you're older, you might think you don't own enough or have...
When you ponder your estate planning options, there are myriad investment strategies to consider. Some are more lucrative and volatile than others, which can add to your confusion. Unless you have spent the past few years living under a rock, you have certainly heard...
When a loved one passes, it is important to be sure that their friends and family follow the decedent's correct will. This legal document determines who inherits what, as well as any other last wishes of the deceased. A potential beneficiary can contest a will if they...
The mature jacaranda tree that sat just on your side of the property boundary may have been why you bought your house. The love that people have for trees can affect where they live or how much they pay for a property. Not only do trees add visual appeal to your...
The use of trusts has grown in popularity in recent years. Testators use this estate planning tool to minimize tax obligations and gain better control over their assets' distribution. One type of these that is popular among testators is an incentive trust. Its owner...
The birth of a baby is a new start and a very exciting, if exhausting, time for new parents. While you are likely to focus on the immediate needs of your child and the near future, bringing new life into the world is a good time to think about the long-term future as...
