When someone dies in California, their personal property becomes their estate. Even if they tell their loved ones ahead of time who should get what, the recipients will likely need to wait. Those assets will end up going through probate court. Creditors will be able...
If you're doing your estate planning, you're probably considering how you want your future medical decisions to be made. Perhaps you've already had some sort of a medical emergency, such as a stroke, or maybe you're just thinking about what could happen in the future....
There are numerous estate planning documents that can perform multiple important functions for those thinking about their eventual death and possible future medical incapacitation. Many individuals think mainly about their legacy and how to pass their belongings to...
Trusts are often key instruments in people's estate plans. They may use a trust to pass money onto a child with special needs or a family member with a history of substance abuse. Trusts can help people qualify for Medicaid or reduce their estate tax liability. If you...
Everyone eventually dies, which is why a will or trust is an absolute necessity in your estate plan. However, not everyone experiences cognitive decline when they get older or a period of incapacitation at some point in their life. You never know if a head injury...
As we age, our likelihood of mental incapacity increases. After all, our bodies and minds deteriorate as we age. Mental incapacity could result from dementia, stroke, brain injury, or other illness. What is mental incapacity and in what ways can you plan to be best...
As you set up a trust, you're probably focused on all the things the trust can accomplish and the specific ways that you can dictate how the money is used. If you just wanted to leave the money to your heir, you could do that without a trust. By using one, you're...
Probate court is almost synonymous with receiving an inheritance. When someone dies, the California probate courts often oversee the administration of their estate. The courts help prevent family members from overlooking financial obligations and executors from...
Mediation is an excellent tool for resolving conflicts. Mediators are third-party individuals who listen to both or all sides of an argument and then help those involved work out a solution that is reasonable and agreeable. Mediators are there to offer constructive...
When your mom or dad is in long-term care, it is imperative that you take steps to protect them against financial abuse. Elders are at a particularly high risk of financial abuse because they may not be in a position to check their accounts or have the mental capacity...