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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
As the executor of a will, it goes without saying that you will want to make all the right decisions in a timely manner. Unfortunately, this can lead to a situation in which you get ahead of yourself. It's a common mistake to pay bills too quickly. While you don't...
When it comes to estate planning, many people only think about what will happen to their assets upon their death. While this is important, there are other things you need to think about. An example of this is your health care wishes. Even you are unable to make your...
If you find yourself the executor of a will or trust, you know that you have been staffed with a big responsibility. While there are many steps you need to take to push the process forward, you don't want to get too far ahead of yourself. Unfortunately, you could be...
From an estate planning perspective, creating a trust may be the best decision you can make. As you begin to learn more about this option, it's important to focus on what you should and should not be doing. Here are some of the many mistakes that people continually...
When a loved one passes away, it goes without saying that it will take quite some time to get your life back on track. As you grieve, you may be responsible for tackling a variety of tasks. Don't be surprised if a debt collector contacts you in an attempt to discuss a...
