Planning for the future means making thoughtful choices about how your assets will be handled after you’re gone. You may want to provide financial support for loved ones, protect inheritances, or set conditions on how funds are used. A testamentary trust allows you to do all of this while keeping control over...
A will is a great starting point for an estate plan, but it may not be enough to fully protect your assets or ensure a smooth transfer to your loved ones. Without additional planning, your estate could go through probate, leading to delays, added costs, and a loss of privacy. A trust...
Naming a beneficiary for your life insurance policy gives you control over who receives the payout when you pass away. But what if that person dies before you? Without a clear plan in place, your life insurance benefits may not go where you intended. This can lead to delays, unexpected tax consequences,...
Your home is one of your most valuable assets, and deciding how to pass it on is an important part of estate planning. In California, a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed offers a way to leave real estate to a beneficiary without the hassle of probate. This legal document allows you to maintain full...
You want your child to benefit from their inheritance, not lose it to a divorce or financial dispute. Unfortunately, once inherited assets become mixed with marital property, they may no longer belong solely to your child. If they deposit the money into a joint account, use it to buy a shared home,...
Estate planning might not be the first thing on your mind, but having a plan in place now can protect your future. Life moves fast, and unexpected situations can happen at any age. Whether you have savings, digital accounts, or personal belongings you care about, making decisions now helps avoid confusion later....
If you have been named as a beneficiary in a will or trust, you may wonder whether living outside of California affects your ability to inherit. The good news is that where you live does not prevent you from receiving what was left to you. Many beneficiaries no longer reside in the...
Life insurance offers a way to provide financial security for your loved ones after you’re gone. But without careful planning, the payout may not reach your beneficiaries as smoothly as you intend. Delays, taxes, and unexpected claims can reduce the amount they receive or tie it up in legal processes. The good...
Marriage is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with financial and legal changes that can affect your future. Many people focus on wedding plans and joint accounts without considering long-term protection for their assets and loved ones. If you have property, savings, or specific wishes for how your estate should be...
What happens if I forget to put an asset into my trust? This is a question that many of our clients ask during our meetings. Creating a trust is one of the best ways to protect your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes. But life moves fast, and...
