Are you creating trusts to hold your young beneficiaries’ inheritance until they’re ready for the financial responsibility? If so, you want to select trustworthy trustees who you can be sure will look out for your beneficiaries’ best interests. Selecting the wrong...
Knowledgeable Advocacy For All Aspects Of Estate Administration, Trusts And Conservatorship Matters
Year: 2024
What authority does an executor have to sell estate assets?
The executor of a will has significant authority to manage and distribute the estate’s assets, including selling property. However, this power is not absolute and must align with the law and instructions in the will. Understanding an executor’s rights and limitations...
When is it possible to skip the probate process?
A probate court usually oversees the distribution of a deceased person's assets and settles their final affairs. However, some estates or properties can skip this process entirely, saving time, money and stress for the person’s loved ones. Understanding these...
Estate planning scams and risks to watch out for
Perhaps you understand how essential estate planning is for you, your family and your assets, and you are ready to create your plan. You may prioritize convenient and low-cost planning, but choosing the wrong approach could compromise everything you care about. Before...
What you need to know about contesting a will in California
Before contesting your loved one’s will, it helps to understand the legal complexities and emotional challenges involved. Contesting a will is not something to be taken lightly. It can strain family relationships and lead to lengthy court proceedings. However, if you...
The fiduciary duties of a trustee
A trust is a legal tool used to manage assets. Generally, the settlor (the person who creates the trust) uses it to pass assets onto beneficiaries. The individual tasked with managing the assets in a trust and carrying out its functions is the trustee. Trustees hold a...
2 things to consider before becoming an executor
A loved one or someone you know on a professional level has asked you to become their estate's executor, and you told them you need time to think. How should you respond? Should you accept the role, or do you think it's wise to turn it down? Before responding, here...
Mistakes that can render a digital estate plan ineffective
A digital estate plan is an essential tool for managing and protecting your online assets after your death. However, if not prepared properly, it may fail to reflect your wishes accurately, leaving your digital footprint unprotected. When creating your digital estate...
Can you disinherit your child?
It's an unfortunate situation, but in some families, the parent-child relationship reaches a point where one or both parties decide it's best to cut ties for the time being. It could be due to an addiction, lifestyle choices or a multitude of other reasons. In such a...
Can a non-family caregiver be a beneficiary in your estate plan?
Are you one of the many older Californians who rely on an in-home caregiver to help you with everyday tasks that have become increasingly hard to manage? More and more people are opting to stay in their own homes rather than move to assisted living or other care...