No one plans to become incapacitated, but if it happens and you have not prepared the right legal documents, your family may have to ask a California court to appoint someone to make decisions for you. In many cases, you can avoid a conservatorship by signing a durable power of attorney and...
Beneficiary Designations: The Estate Planning Detail That Overrides Your Will
Beneficiary designations can decide who receives certain assets after your death, even if your will says something different. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, payable-on-death accounts, and some investment accounts usually pass directly to the person named on the account.
That means a form you filled out 10 years ago...
Estate Planning for Wildfire Season: What California Homeowners Should Know
California homeowners should review their estate plans before wildfire season because property loss, insurance claims, relocation, and document access can all affect how a plan works. If your home is damaged or destroyed, your estate plan does not automatically fail, but it may need to be updated to reflect changed assets, new...
Avoiding Common Estate Planning Mistakes: Beneficiary Designations
What Is A Beneficiary Designation And Which Types Of Accounts Typically Use Them?
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A beneficiary designation is a directive on financial accounts, such as checking, savings, investments, 401(k)s, and life insurance, to determine who receives the funds after the account holder’s passing. Account holders can name individuals or...
How Does California Law Address Estate Planning for Non-U.S. Citizens?
Non-U.S. citizens can create estate plans in California, but different tax rules, documentation requirements, and cross-border considerations may apply. Your immigration status, where your assets are located, and whether your beneficiaries are U.S. citizens all affect how your estate is handled.
If you live in California or own property...
Funding Your Trust: Why Most Estate Plans Fail
Why is funding your trust essential after signing trust documents?
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Funding your trust is crucial because simply having a trust document is not enough to avoid probate. For a trust to be effective, assets must be properly transferred into it. Many estate plans fail because assets are not...
Understanding Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation
How can sandwich generation parents protect their retirement savings while funding their children's college and parents' assisted living?
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Sandwich generation parents can protect their finances by ensuring they have the right estate planning and financial planning in place. By having the necessary legal documents prepared, such as...
Estate Planning for Unmarried Partners in California
Why is estate planning crucial for unmarried partners in California?
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Estate planning is vital for unmarried partners in California because without proper documentation, the partner has no legal rights or remedies in case of incapacity or death. In California, unmarried partners are not recognized as spouses, which can...
The Estate Planning Legal Checklist Parents Forget Before College
Why is it crucial for parents to have emergency planning documents in place before their child goes to college?
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Having emergency planning documents in place is vital for parents because, in the unfortunate event of a medical emergency involving their child, hospitals and healthcare institutions are restricted by...
Estate Planning Guide for Immigrant Families in California
Estate planning allows immigrant families in California to decide who will care for their children, manage property, and handle financial matters if something happens to them. Your immigration status does not prevent you from creating a valid estate plan, and under California law, tools like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are...