When people start thinking about the future of their assets and their loved ones, two terms come up often: probate and estate planning. These concepts are related, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the distinction can help you make informed choices and avoid stress for your family later on.
Understanding Spousal Inheritance Rights in California
When a spouse passes away, questions about inheritance often come to the forefront. California has laws designed to protect the rights of surviving spouses, ensuring fair treatment under various circumstances. Knowing how these laws work can provide a sense of security and help you better understand your financial future. Whether there’s a...
How to Avoid Sibling Conflicts During Probate
The probate process can be emotionally challenging, especially when siblings are involved. The loss of a loved one brings sadness, and the added responsibility of dividing assets can lead to disagreements. Understandably, disputes may arise during this stressful time, but there are steps we can take to reduce conflict. By working together,...
What Proactive Steps Can I Take to Avoid Probate?
Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person's estate through the court system. While it’s a common procedure, it can be time-consuming and costly, often delaying the distribution of assets to your loved ones. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps you can take to keep your estate out of...
Does a Surviving Spouse Eliminate the Need for Probate?
If your spouse has passed away, not only are you experiencing the emotional loss of your loved one, but you may also feel confused and uneasy concerning probate. Is probate still required if the decedent had a surviving spouse? What is a spouse entitled to?
It all depends...
Legal Assistance for Fiduciaries
How can an estate planning attorney help me to fulfill my fiduciary duties?
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A fiduciary is defined as any person who acts in a representative capacity, with legal authority, on behalf of someone else or a decedent’s estate. There are several different types of fiduciaries, depending on the context, including a trustee...
4 Myths of Estate Planning
While most people understand that estate planning involves providing for loved ones upon their passing, many are unclear as to what the estate planning process actually entails. This unfortunately leads to stubborn myths about estate planning that this article seeks to clarify.
Myth 1: Estate Planning Is Only for Older...
The Purple One’s Probate Problems
When Prince passed away earlier this spring, we lost a truly amazing musician. His music and showmanship was groundbreaking, but so too were his ideas about the rights of recording artists. Over the years he has been in court probably more than any other musician out there, fighting for control of his...
Soap Opera Star Sues Mental Health Center For Wrongful Death Of Son
Can an estate administer posthumous damages?
Kristoff St. John, star of The Young and The Restless, and his former wife, Mia Rosales St. John, a professional boxer, filed a lawsuit against La Casa Mental Health Rehabilitation Center for the wrongful death of their son. The suit alleges negligence and wrongful death...
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Holiday Estate Plan
What is the greatest gift you can give your family this Holiday Season?
Peace of mind. Getting your Estate Plan in order is not always at the top of everyone’s to do list, but it should be. With the proper legal documents in place, you can help ease the difficulties that your loved ones...
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