What will happen if I die without an estate plan in California?

 

The New Year is a time of reflection and planning for many of us.  Making a few resolutions for the New Year is common practice for many.  While creating an estate plan may not be one of the first goals you think of...

What are the potential drawbacks of naming co-executors? The role of executor is an important one.  Your named executor will be tasked with managing and protecting your assets, settling all debts, and ultimately distributing the assets in your estate.  Within your will or trust, you can name an individual to serve as the executor, or...

Most of us likely think of age as the deciding factor for when we should start an estate plan. While age is certainly an important factor in the timing of estate planning, it is just one factor of many. Also of relevance is your overall health, family relationships, financial situation, and...

Can I skip a generation in my estate plan? At times, circumstances arise requiring a grandparent step in to raise their grandchild.  The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that over 2.4 million grandparents have custody over their grandchildren in the country today.  Grandparents raising their grandchildren will face many challenges and reap many rewards. One of...

Who should I name as a guardian for my minor child? Welcoming a child into your home is a life-changing experience.  With the birth or adoption of a child, your goals, life views, and focus will forever alter.  From the moment you look into your new child’s eyes, you know you will do anything to...

What will happen to my online accounts when I die?

The internet has changed the way we live. Our lives are now plastered all over the internet, from email to social media accounts. With each generation, our digital footprint is only growing larger, and laws on what happens to...

How can I protect my valuable art collection after my death?

Art collectors are passionate about their craft.  An art collection will often have both monetary and emotional value.  Your average basic estate plan may leave your art collection unprotected against hefty taxes or the possibility of a forced...

How can I avoid making an estate planning mistake?

Your estate plan will form a vital part of your legacy. With your estate plan, you will pass down your hard earned assets to the next generation, while protecting yourself in the event of your incapacity. Mistakes made in the...

How can my estate plan help to take care of me during my life?Most of us think of estate planning as a necessary step to protect our loved ones after death.  Through the use of wills and trusts, we can ensure our spouses, children, and other loved ones are provided for in the event...

Why is it important for me to start creating an estate plan well before retirement?

There are numerous reasons why people put off estate planning.  Many of us simply do not want to deal with our own mortality, so we keep delaying a discussion of the topic.  Others do not want to...