Both arbitration and mediation are forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that can save time and money compared to traditional litigation – but they differ in some critical ways. While mediation encourages a cooperative approach and compromises, arbitration...
A charitable remainder trust can help California residents support charitable causes while receiving income from assets transferred into these trusts. However, establishing this type of arrangement requires careful legal and financial planning. Errors in drafting or...
Building significant wealth takes time, careful decisions -- and often a little luck. Keeping that wealth in the family for generations can be an entirely different challenge. Taxes, lawsuits, divorces and disagreements among heirs can all deplete assets that took...
When someone dies, their estate (or some part of it) may have to go through probate before their assets can ultimately be distributed to their heirs and/or beneficiaries. Probate generally occurs in the state where they were domiciled. However, things can get a little...
Planning your estate is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. It gives your loved ones clarity and protection when they need it most. This checklist walks you through the key steps to building a solid estate plan in California. Create a valid...
Your finances, family composition and priorities can change over time, and your estate plan should change with them. The larger your anticipated estate, the more important it may be to review your plan annually, particularly when minimizing taxes and protecting family...
When creating an estate plan, one key asset that you own may be a vacation property. This could be a vacation home, a cabin or a cottage where your children often went as they were growing up. It holds a lot of nostalgic value to them, and it also has significant...
Business owners who spend decades building a company often put off planning for what comes next. Without knowing what the business is worth, creating a fair succession plan is nearly impossible. A formal valuation gives owners a clear starting point, whether the goal...
You may want to consider creating a trust if you have a high-asset estate. There are many benefits a trust can offer that a will cannot. For example, the right kind of trust can protect your assets from estate taxes, debt collection and disputes. You can also use a...
A will is often the first document people think about when deciding how their estate should be handled after their death. It provides a way to state how certain property should be distributed after your death and allows you to nominate someone to administer your...