Will Vs. Trust: What's the Difference, and Which One Do You Need?

Will Vs. Trust in California: What’s the Difference, and Which One Do You Need?

Posted on March 1, 2022

Finding an estate planning attorney you can trust to create an estate plan can help you stay in control over what happens to your assets after you pass on. One doesn't have to be wealthy to have an estate plan. Even if you are of modest means, you have an estate...

Person reviewing bills at a table while using a calculator and laptop in a living room

What Is a Spendthrift Trust?

Posted on August 17, 2021

Do you worry about the best way to provide for your loved ones after you pass away? You are certainly not alone in this. Sometimes, providing for loved ones through an estate plan is not as simple as leaving behind a lump sum inheritance. Some people, for a variety of reasons,...

What Should You include in Your Living Will?

Posted on August 1, 2021

A will is often a prominent feature in an estate plan. Lesser known, but still very important in estate planning, is a living will. A living will and a will are two very different legal tools. Their similarities seemingly end at their names and the fact that both should be included...

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Homestead Exemption

Posted on April 17, 2021

It is always an unexpected pleasure when amendments to government statutes provide benefits instead of increased costs. Fortunately, as of January 1, 2021, this has happened relative to homestead exemptions in California. The plan used previously has been replaced by a more sensible one with several advantages to homeowners. Nonetheless, as is...

Legal Grounds for Contesting a Will

Posted on February 1, 2021

After the passing of a loved one, there may be people that are surprised, disheartened, or outright angry about the contents of his or her will. Please know that a will cannot be challenged or contested solely on the grounds that a person does not like or agree with...

Requirements for Establishing a Valid Will in California

Posted on November 17, 2020

A will can play a central role in developing an estate plan that meets the unique needs and circumstances of a person. It may be best known for setting out who will inherit what property upon a person’s death. A will can also, however, name a guardian for a minor child...

How to Create a Valid Will in California

Posted on September 1, 2020

A Last Will and Testament, usually referred to as simply a “will,” can accomplish many things in your estate plan. It is perhaps best known for being the mechanism outlining how you wish your property to be distributed after you pass away. A will, however, can do much more. You can...

Coronavirus Should Have You Considering These Estate Planning Essentials

Posted on June 1, 2020

Why is it so important to have a power of attorney? The coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the nation and causing a wave of illness and death in its path. The news today is fraught with ever dire reports about the number of people critically ill or dying due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the...

Avoid These 3 Basic Estate Planning Mistakes to Protect Your Loved Ones

Posted on February 13, 2020

What will happen if I die without a will in place? The death of a loved one will cause tremendous sadness and emotional upheaval. The last thing any of us want is for our family to incur additional hardships after our death due to a lack of effective estate planning. After you die, your assets...

Here’s Why You Need an Estate Plan

Posted on November 1, 2019

There is a common misconception out there that only wealthy people need an estate plan. This couldn't be further from the truth. Whether you make $10,000 a year or $1,000,000 a year, you absolutely must have an estate plan. In fact, if you have any assets at all, you need an...