What estate planning documents do new parents need to create? New parents have much on their minds.  Approaching the birth of your first child, your days may be full of researching and purchasing baby gear, setting up the nursery, and enjoying the last of your sleep-filled nights. Naturally, not all soon to be new parents...

What Is a Living Will? Estate planning is often thought of as making decisions about what will happen to your assets when you die. However, equally as important in the estate planning process is making decisions about your future health. As you age, your health could decline.  Should an illness or injury render you unable...

How do I bring up the topic of estate planning with my family members? It can be awkward to broach the topic of estate planning with your family. After all, none of us wish to discuss the death of our parents, grandparents, or siblings.  However, with fewer than half of all Americans having an estate...

Can I control how my heirs manage their inheritance? Some of us may have loved ones that are less than financially savvy.  Perhaps one of your children has a history of making poor financial decisions, or maybe your spouse struggles with bad shopping habits.  Whatever the situation may be, you could understandably fear for how...

Who will receive my assets if I die without an estate plan and I do not have children? Today, many couples have elected not to have children or to wait for some time before embarking on the journey of parenthood.  Whether you are childless by choice, circumstances, or just putting off children, it is of...

How do I pass down my royalties to my heirs?

For many business owners, artists, and others, intellectual property rights comprise a valuable and significant part of your estate.  Intellectual property rights may include copyrights, patents, and trademarks.  In addition to ownership of intellectual property rights, royalties stemming from the use of your...

What are transfer on death accounts?

You likely already have at least one transfer on death account, but you may not realize it.  Transfer on death accounts present a simple way to transfer some assets to your spouse or another loved one upon your death.  Properly setting up some transfer on death accounts...

What are the traits of a good executor?

The role of executor is an important one.  The individual you name as executor to your estate will essentially be tasked with stepping into your shoes and fulfilling all legal tasks that you would have completed during your lifetime.  Additionally, your executor will face the...

What is my first step as personal representative of a California estate? The role of personal representative or estate executor is a critically important one.  In the state of California, the personal representative will serve the vital role of inventorying and managing the property of the estate, paying all debts, and ultimately distributing the assets. ...

What are the benefits of placing my cryptocurrencies in a trust?

Cryptocurrency has risen to extreme popularity in recent years, with one Bitcoin currently worth over 7,400 dollars. As cryptocurrencies continue to become a part of investor portfolios worldwide, the importance of incorporating digital assets in estate planning takes...