While you may love all your children equally, you may not feel that they should receive equal inheritances once you pass away. If one of your children earns less than their siblings, you may want to leave them a greater share of your assets to provide them with...
Year: 2020
The biggest mistakes estate executors make
The executor of an estate, whether the attorney or a trusted friend or family member of the deceased person, has a significant responsibility. He or she oversees the payment of estate taxes and debts, as well as the distribution of assets to estate beneficiaries. ...
What are the California requirements for probate?
While not every estate needs probate, preparing for this process can help with the smooth administration of your estate. California, like other states, has specific laws that cover probate. Review the California probate requirements to inform your estate planning....
How can I use my estate plan to protect my heirs’ inheritance?
As you approach your retirement years, you may need to use estate planning to help you preserve your personal property and wealth. Whether you plan to leave behind cash, property or some other assets to your loved ones, a comprehensive estate plan can help shield...
Estate planning after a dementia diagnosis: legal mental capacity
You have probably heard the term "being of sound mind" in conjunction with a will, but that phrase does not automatically mean a family member with a dementia diagnosis cannot participate in estate planning. In fact, after a dementia diagnosis, it becomes critical for...
Avoid these common estate planning mistakes
Even when you know you need an estate plan, you may be unsure where to start. Understanding the common mistakes that arise during this process can remove some of the confusion. Get ready for estate planning by learning about the pitfalls to avoid. Not updating your...
What happens during probate?
The word probate has a negative connotation for many people, but that is usually due to rumors they hear about the process and not their actual experience with it. In most cases, probate is not something to fear. It is actually quite helpful. According to California...