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...
When is it Too Late to Protect Assets for Medicaid or Public Benefits?
Affordability of long-term care is a common worry among seniors. Fortunately in California, Medicaid and public benefits are available to help cover costs. However, the rules governing public funds generally require individuals to surrender nearly all personal assets before receiving assistance. For those who have worked hard to build a financial legacy, that...
Categorizing Estate Assets in California
Probate in California is extremely expensive. By categorizing estate assets in California carefully, it can be possible to avoid probate or minimize the assets that have to pass through the courts. A California estate planning attorney can show you how to set up your estate plan to decrease much of the cost of...
When and Why to Say No to California Estate Planning Web Documents
A DIY movement has swept the nation, with internet tutorials and documents available for almost any need. But when it comes to matters as important as financial and legal affairs, is adopting
a standardized web-based approach the best idea? The convenience and minimal upfront investment of do-it-yourself wills and estate plans are attractive...