Is a Trust Required to Avoid Probate?

Various estate planning myths could cost you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve established documents and strategies to carry out your wishes as you want, and these could also harm your loved ones in the future. The truth is that not all of your assets fall into the probate process anyways. Some… Read More »

What Authors Need to Know About Estate Planning

Are you involved in any type of creative pursuit, such as creating art or novels? Or have you been appointed to control someone’s creative works after they pass away? Probate law addresses property, and most people understand that this includes things like investments, actual cash, real estate and more. But the fruits of your creative… Read More »

What Happens If a Financial Power of Attorney Agent and Advanced Healthcare Directive Agent Do Not Agree?

An advanced health care directive and a financial power of attorney are two cornerstones of a solid estate plan. These allow you to name other people to make decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated and unable to do so. These individuals will likely need to coordinate your medical care, so it’s important to… Read More »

Study Shows Women Have Less Savings than Men, But Better Habits with Their 401(k)s

Is your 401(k) an important part of your retirement plan? Is your 401(k) something you intend to pass on to future generations through estate planning? Women are doing better than men in almost every single way except for their account balances when looking at 401(k) data across the board. A recent study completed by Vanguard… Read More »

How Much Does a Funeral Cost In 2023?

When looking ahead to plan for your estate, you may have questions about when it makes sense to pre purchase funeral or burial plans. Leaving family members to pick up the tab adds additional stress for them during what might already be a difficult time. Many people underestimate the potential expenses of a funeral. Prepaying… Read More »

The Importance of Being Honest with Your Partner About Finances for Estate Planning Purposes

There are many benefits to having frank and honest conversations with your spouse or partner about your financial situation. When everyone is on the same page about assets, liabilities, and financial goals, it’s much easier to navigate life together. One term known as financial infidelity refers to keeping secrets or lying about money from someone… Read More »

Do You Want to Include Philanthropic Goals in Your Estate Plan?

Many people support charities throughout their life, either with one-time gifts or recurring contributions. You might wish to continue that practice when you pass away by gifting a portion of your estate to a cause you care about deeply. Philanthropic giving allows you to leave a legacy behind and support something that is important to… Read More »

What Does it Mean to Title Something to a Trust?

A trust is an excellent estate planning tool when you’ve selected the right vehicle and funded the trust. In order to fund your California trust, assets you want managed by it must be retitled into the trust. If you establish a trust with the help of a knowledgeable estate planning attorney as part of your… Read More »