Estate planning can be complicated even if you already have a will. Those provide instructions for distributing property and assets after you die. But financial conditions and relationships can change over time. What if you want to manage them while you are still...
California residents and others who don't have children can still benefit from creating an estate plan. This is because they will still need others to assist them in paying bills or taking care of other tasks if they became incapacitated. Appointing a financial agent...
Many Californians procrastinate when it comes to establishing an estate plan, even though most rate it high on their essential to-do list. And while those who have accomplished that task should rightfully feel good, it also should be realized it is not a one and done...
When a celebrity passes away with chaos in their estate, it can drive home the importance of writing a will and other estate documents. California director John Singleton was broadly celebrated for his unique vision and style. However, he repeatedly delayed writing a...
California families in which there are stepchildren, adopted children, cohabiting unmarried adults, single parents and other nontraditional configurations may find that traditional estate planning advice does not cover their situation. Even trusts, which can be used...
A survey from Key Private Bank polled 122 financial advisers to see how often future generations are involved with a person's charitable giving. Of those that responded, about 80% said that only some of their clients did so. However, it may be beneficial for parents...
Besides the tax issues, there are various challenges that individuals will face if they are handling estate matters for a loved one in California who has died. First, a lot depends on who the executor is. If the loved one died intestate, the probate court will appoint...
Parents and grandparents in California may have no problem keeping track of how much cash they have or the value of their stock portfolio. However, it may be more difficult to keep track of how much an art collection is worth or to determine the fair value for other...
An estate plan can help a person account for an illness or other event that could leave that individual incapacitated. It can also help a person in California or anywhere else account for what happens to assets after he or she passes. The first thing an individual...
California estate owners who have a desire to pass along assets to subsequent generations may consider the benefits of creating trusts. It's an appealing option because of tax advantages and the ability to have more control over how assets are distributed. A dynasty...
