Are you thinking about putting together a living trust and have already done a little bit of internet research to figure out why a living trust might make more sense for you than an irrevocable trust? Sitting down with a Pasadena estate planning lawyer can help you to walk through the stages of setting up… Read More »
Blog Posts Page 4
Should I Use A Testamentary Bypass Trust in California?
Are you curious about the different kinds of trusts that you can use in California to pass on assets and to achieve greater control in the estate planning process? You might have concerns about a testamentary bypass trust that can be answered by a Pasadena estate planning attorney. Whether you are a business owner thinking… Read More »
When Does Intra-Family Lending Make Sense with Assets?
Sometimes skipping the challenges and the expenses associated with commercial bank loans can make good sense if someone in your family has the ability to loan you money in the short term. Attempting to make a major family purchase can be difficult for those people who are trying to approach traditional banks. This is why… Read More »
What to Do If You Receive A Substantial Windfall
If you win the billion-dollar lottery or receive some other massive inheritance, there are certainly some steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid some of the mistakes of other people who have received a massive windfall and have lost it all. Some experts in the financial industry recommend that the first thing you… Read More »
Why You Should Always Plan to Exit Your Business
Most people avoid planning their exit from their company because they are under the impression that they will never leave the business, and therefore estate planning is not necessary for the company. Many business owners take natural pride in what they’ve created over the course of the years. Some of them are so excited to… Read More »
What Questions Do You Need to Ask When You’re Handling A Loved Ones’ Estate?
If you’re appointed as the representative of a loved ones’ estate, these responsibilities must be taken seriously, and it could be a good idea to empower yourself with the insight of an experienced probate attorney to guide you through the process. A probate attorney can help explain to you this important role of serving as… Read More »
What Is a California Transfer on Death Account?
A transfer on death account is one type of asset that will pass differently than most others in the probate process. Transfer on death accounts in California can keep your estate planning intact while ensuring that your beneficiaries stay out of court. Approximately 57% of Americans today don’t have a trust or a will, which… Read More »
Don’t Forget These Financial To-Do Tasks Before Getting Married
Although it’s probably the last thing you want to think about in the months leading up to your wedding, ignoring financial planning can set both parties in a couple up for challenges. A recent survey of millennials found that 25% of respondents reported that finances cause tension inside their household, which means that it is… Read More »
What Does the Uniform Prudent Investor Act Have to Do with My Trustee?
Any California trustee has specific responsibilities in relation to his or her duties. It is important for a trustee to be aware of what is necessary to properly administer the trust and avoid violation of laws. Following the Uniform Prudent Investor Act is one of the most important aspects of service as a trustee. You… Read More »
Do I Really Need A Medical Directive?
Have you ever thought about what might happen to you in the event that you became unable to make decisions for yourself? This is one of the leading reasons to schedule a consultation with a Pasadena estate planning lawyer, to discuss the development of critical elder law documents. There are several different elder law documents… Read More »
What Should I Consider When Putting Together A Power of Attorney?
Anyone with elderly parents or approaching their own estate planning should be prepared to designate with a primary agent and a secondary agent in a power of attorney document. This means that if the primary agent is out of town or is otherwise unavailable to step in, then the decision process for addressing immediate issues… Read More »
How Do I Know If I Should Initiate A Will or Trust Contest?
While it is relatively rare, contesting a will or trust in California is something that should be done when certain red flags arise, and you believe that fraud or other issues have occurred. Survivors are eligible to contest a trust or will under California law in certain circumstances. The state’s probate code outlines that if… Read More »
What Are the Different Types of California Power of Attorney Documents?
There are primarily four different categories of power of attorney documents recognized in the state of California. You may use one of these or a combination of power of attorney documents depending on your goals and the person you are naming as your agent. The four different types of recognized power of attorney documents in… Read More »
Are You Making This Mistake with Your IRA Trust?
Did you know that an IRA trust, if not properly structured, could become a disaster in terms of estate planning? Congress is currently considering eliminating the stretch IRA, which means that your financial advisors and estate planning professionals will need to rethink IRA trust estate planning. On May 23rd, the new SECURE Act was passed… Read More »
Is There A Time Limit for Contesting A Will in California?
It is recommended that if you believe you have grounds to contest a will, that you initiate this claim with the courts as soon as possible. California enables will contest to be filed on numerous different grounds by interested parties who can be creditors, heirs or beneficiaries named in the will. In order to initiate… Read More »
These Four Elements Belong in Your California Estate Plan
When most people think of estate planning, they assume it doesn’t affect them for a variety of reasons: not enough assets, being single or being relatively young. The truth is that estate planning address these issues while you’re still alive and those that occur after you pass away and it’s a good idea to have… Read More »
Does Someone Retired and Single Still Need Estate Planning?
Are you a single retiree in the state of California and have maybe put off your estate planning? Perhaps you and a friend have gotten together to draft your own wills with the support of witnesses and a notary. Even as a single individual and a retiree, there are still steps you can take with… Read More »
What Is Community Property in California?
The process of California estate planning might seem overwhelming if you’ve never done it before or if you’ve recently relocated to the state and are curious about whether or not your existing estate planning documents will do the job if and when you become incapacitated or pass away. One common question that emerges and is… Read More »
What Happens Without a Will in the State of California?
Your assets go to your closest relatives under California law in Pasadena per the intestate succession rules. Only assets that pass through your will are included under intestate succession laws. Examples of those that do not go through your will include life insurance proceeds, retirement account funds, property transfer to a living trust, payable on… Read More »
What Are the Grounds for Removal of a California Executor?
There are certain restrictions in every state including California, about who is able to serve as an executor of probate. An executor has to be of sound mind and at least 18 years old, according to the California probate code. These are not the only restrictions, however, that could be applied in a Pasadena probate… Read More »