If you have already made an estate plan, then set a reminder for every couple of years to review it. Making sure your estate plan reflects your current reality leaves you and others better prepared if something were to happen to you, such as a serious accident or the...
Year: 2025
What are California’s will witness requirements?
Wills must meet various legal standards to be enforceable in California. They need to include appropriate testamentary language. They also require the signature of the testator, although an agent can sign on an individual's behalf in cases where medical issues may...
What is a springing power of attorney?
When you add a power of attorney to your estate plan, you can make it unique by determining exactly what powers you’re turning over to your agent. Maybe you want them to be able to make medical decisions, or perhaps you want to give them the ability to access your...
What is the California Medicaid look-back period?
In most states, to receive long-term care that is funded by Medicaid, there is a five-year look-back period in which patients may not transfer or gift any of their assets. If they do, they will then be subjected to the penalty phase and become responsible for paying...
Addressing your safe deposit box in your estate plan
If you have a safe deposit box at a local financial institution, it’s crucial not to forget about it as you create your estate plan. That’s particularly true if it contains valuable jewelry, a coin collection or other items you plan to leave to loved ones or other...
What should you consider in a healthcare power of attorney?
Creating your estate plan means that you have to think about things like who you want to get your assets after you pass away, but you can’t neglect others like who will make decisions about your medical care if you’re incapacitated. The healthcare power of attorney is...
5 tips for discussing estate planning with your parents
Children initiate estate planning conversations with their parents for various reasons. It might be triggered by an event, for example, witnessing another family go through a difficult time due to a lack of a will, or it may stem from concern or a desire for clarity...
Why should you appoint a financial power of attorney?
You may think that you only have to consider your assets when you’re creating an estate plan, but that’s not the case. One major part of an estate plan is setting up what should happen if you become incapacitated, which means you’re unable to make decisions about your...
You can start – just not finish – estate planning with AI
Artificial intelligence tools have made it easier than ever to begin the estate planning process. With just a few prompts, AI can help you draft a basic will, create a list of assets or explain the roles of executors and trustees. For those just starting to think...
Who will creditors pursue if a person dies with debt?
Most creditors are understandably keen to recover any money owed to them. That wish won’t just stop because a person who owes them dies. Understanding the laws around this is essential whether you are making your estate plan and worried about leaving debt or dealing...

