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...
Owning property in more than one California county can raise questions after someone dies. Does the family need to open a probate case in every county? Usually, no. The answer depends on how the person owned each asset and whether the asset must go through probate....
Estate planning in California is more than writing a will. California is a community property state. This means the law gives each spouse equal ownership of most assets from the marriage. This creates unique risks that can catch families off guard. Recognizing these...
Welcoming a newborn grandchild is a life-changing event that brings new joy and a renewed sense of responsibility in your life. It can also change how you think about your legacy, especially if you have significant assets in California but have not accounted for this...
Creating your estate plan means being able to outline what assets will be given to which beneficiaries. While you might be focused on caring for your family members and loved ones, you may also decide that you want to take care of favorite charities. This is possible...
When you achieve a reasonable amount of success in life and want to give back to your community in California, you need the right strategy for your estate plan. Choosing the correct charitable remainder trust is essential for balancing your personal financial security...
If you die without an estate plan in California, the state decides how to distribute your property through a process called intestate succession. This means you lose control over who receives your assets, and your estate must go through probate court. Understanding...
Many people feel uneasy when they hear the phrase "tax avoidance." The term is sometimes confused with tax evasion, which involves illegally concealing income or assets from taxing authorities. Estate planning, however, often includes legitimate and lawful strategies...
When you’ve spent your lifetime building wealth through hard work, smart investments and careful financial decisions, you hate to think that all those assets will be gone within a generation or two. Unfortunately, preserving that wealth for future generations can be...