When Should I Start With My Estate Plan?
Estate Planning Tips to Keep Your Money in the Family
The last thing that most people want is for their loved ones to get shortchanged because your estate had to pay avoidable expenses or taxes after you died. Every dollar that your estate has to pay in taxes or costs is a dollar that your family will never get.
There are many ways to...
Planning for Medicare
What will happen to you when you need long-term care? Are you in a financial position to afford the expense?
Very few have enough assets to cover extended nursing home stays, particularly in California, where monthly care costs can easily exceed $10,000.
At that rate, even those with sizable estates should consider all available...
When Should I Update My Estate Plan?
What Trust Is Right for My Family?
There are many options in estate planning. Deciding what path to take to secure a future for you and your family can feel overwhelming without help.
This is especially true when considering setting up a trust, and you may quickly find yourself wondering, “What trust is right for my family?”
California wills and trusts attorneys...
What Does ‘Domicile’ Mean in California?
The advantages of remote work and increased wealth have offered many Californians the opportunity to maintain multiple residences across different states.
While this may seem like an enviable luxury, it carries with it the complications of distinguishing between one’s residences and one’s domicile. Why is this important? And what does domicile mean in California?
Many...
Understanding Domestic Asset Protection Trusts
Living in an especially litigious culture, Californians are increasingly concerned about asset vulnerability to legal judgments and creditors.
Many have been advised that placing assets in a trust protects their wealth. While in some contexts that is true, the general notion of forming a trust in California to shelter assets from creditors is a false...
Alzheimer’s Disease Is A Lot More than Just Forgetfulness
As we watch our loved ones age, it’s not uncommon to see them struggle with their memory. Given the frightening prospect of Alzheimer's, this may incite worry in many.
California elder law attorneys often encounter clients and families rushing to prepare or amend estate planning documents at the first signs of differences...
Avoiding Confusion in a Crisis with Proper Estate Planning
The sudden death or incapacitation of a loved one can be overwhelming. It can also create a financial crisis for the family. Without a comprehensive estate plan, a spouse may be unable to access accounts and funds the family needs to pay bills and living expenses. There could be confusion about who has the...
Do I Need a Living Will or DNRO for My Estate Plan?
No one wants to contemplate suffering a life-altering accident or illness. However, anyone can face incapacitation or an end-of-life situation. Forethought and advance planning will ensure that your wishes are fulfilled and the burden of life-ending decisions are not unduly placed on your loved ones.
A comprehensive estate plan should include advanced directives...