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Sometimes, a testator will purposefully exclude one or more of their heirs from their estate – but what happens if they do so accidentally? Errors of omission in wills may be more common than most people realize, but the law doesn’t want to see anybody disinherited...
The estate planning process largely revolves around who your assets will go to upon your death. Nonetheless, there is so much more to estate planning. You can utilize estate planning documents, such as a medical Power of Attorney, to ensure that appropriate decisions...
When people use a DNR order, or a Do Not Resuscitate Order, they do not want life-saving measures to be used in certain circumstances. If their heart stops beating or they stop breathing, they don’t want the medical team to use CPR to bring them back. Often, people...
A revocable living trust is often created alongside a will. This opportunity allows you to name a trustee and transfer ownership of your assets to beneficiaries while you are living. This means that your trustee has ownership of the asset, but you can still make...
Planning for unforeseen circumstances is not just prudent; it’s essential. Of course, nobody likes to dwell on the possibility of becoming incapacitated. But, having a plan in place can provide you with peace of mind and help to ensure that your wishes are carried out...
One of the hardest choices a testator may have to make during estate planning is disinheriting a close family member. However, the law provides for individuals to have control over the distribution of their assets after death. While disinheriting a family member is a...
People sometimes talk about probate litigation as though it were innately frivolous. They may imply that those fighting over someone's estate do so out of greed. While that may be the case occasionally, the probate courts don't generally grant hearings over minor...
While estate planning is such a crucial topic of financial management, it often takes a back seat in people’s priorities. There are several reasons why people may procrastinate writing a will, assigning powers of attorney or choosing healthcare proxies. Exploring...
This year, California enacted what’s known as a “next-of-kin” law. It allows hospitals and other medical facilities to designate a person (known as a surrogate) with whom they can discuss a patient’s condition if that patient can’t speak for themselves. That...
Attempting to save a little money and handle your estate planning on your own may seem like a good idea, but it is not a wise move. There’s much more to estate planning than DIY websites allow for, and you could make serious mistakes that will leave your family with a...
