A divorce is a significant event in the lives of former spouses. The process can be challenging initially, but former partners can come through the other side and build a better future. If they have children together, they may even be able to remain amicable as...
estate planning
How have intrafamily political disputes affected estate planning?
Americans seem to be more divided than ever regarding political, social and even health issues. Many of those divisions have caused serious rifts within families. Some families have become so divided that people are considering leaving children out of their will and...
Common reasons why your will may be invalidated
A will is a legal document that speaks for you when you pass on. Through your will, you can articulate your wishes with respect to how you want your assets to be distributed. Among other functions, you can also identify a guardian for your young kids should you die or...
A DIY will could cost you more
Most people are apprehensive about talking about estate planning, but these are conversations that need to be had. Ensuring that you have an estate plan that accurately reflects your wishes offers security to both you and your loved ones. As the topic of estate...
What’s the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts?
Many people working on an estate plan are concerned with how quickly and easily they can get the assets to their loved ones. One of the best ways to do this is to establish trusts that can pass the assets down without going through the probate process. There are many...
It may be time to revise your estate plans
Having a solid estate plan in place is a step in the right direction. However, changes in your circumstances may need you to relook at the strategies you have in place – and every estate plan needs to be reviewed from time to time. Generally, it is recommended to...
3 things you might overlook in your estate plan
If someone mentions estate planning, what springs to mind? Perhaps how to leave your assets to your family while paying as little in taxes as possible? That is a crucial aspect of any estate plan, but there is much more to it than that. Let’s say you have a spouse and...
Adding an advance directive to your California estate plan
Estate planning isn't just about what happens when you die. It is also about what happens when life takes unexpected turns. A seizure, a boating accident or a machinery malfunction at work could leave you unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate. The doctors...
Why should you revisit your estate plan when expecting a child?
Estate planning isn't something that you do once and then never address again. You need to make a pointof sitting down to review your estate plan every few years to ensure that its many different components continue to reflect your needs. It's critical that you...
Tips for updating your estate plan
While it is important for most California adults to have some kind of estate plan, it is also important to ensure that the plan is up to date. There are several elements you should focus on to make sure that the plan will still work for you and your loved ones. Roles...
