There are numerous estate planning documents that can be utilized, but most estate plans start with a will. In California, a will has to be created by someone of sound mind, over the age of 18 and the will must also be in writing. What are the key functions of a will?...
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Estate Planning
4 things to know as a beneficiary
Losing a loved one can be devastating. You may not have the capacity to deal with other matters. While this is understandable, it's crucial to be alert once your loved one's will goes to probate. The estate's executor will inform you that they have filed a petition...
Administration of a digital estate: The basics
Managing the digital footprint of a deceased loved one has become an increasingly common part of estate administration. A digital estate can encompass a wide array of online assets, including social media accounts, digital photographs, emails, online banking accounts...
Why update your estate plan when you divorce or remarry?
When life takes unexpected turns, such as divorce and remarriage, it’s crucial to reassess various aspects of your life, including your estate plan. Your estate plan should be a comprehensive document outlining how your assets will be distributed upon passing and...
What is a power of attorney?
There are a lot of features that you can include in an estate plan. Your will helps instruct how your assets are handled after you pass away. You can name an executor responsible for distributing assets and settling your estate. You can also include a child guardian...
When do California testators need to plan for estate taxes?
Estate planning can be a very complicated process. People need to consider a variety of important details, including the value of their resources and the state of their relationships. Testators in California generally aspire to leave as much of their property for...
Do you have to pay your parents’ debts when they die?
If your parents make an estate plan, it is going to distribute the assets that they own. This happens after they pass away when tangible assets – such as cars, homes, businesses and personal possessions – and financial assets get distributed between the beneficiaries....
Choosing an executor? Why you should look beyond family ties
When choosing the person who will carry out your last wishes as outlined in your will, it is natural to incline towards a family member. We all love our families, but let’s face it - divvying up assets and navigating legal waters can be a breeding ground for tension....
What is testamentary capacity?
A will is one of the most important legal documents that you can ever sign. Done right, a will takes the guesswork out of the equation and ensures that your assets pass down to the people and causes that you approve of when you die. Without one, the government might...
When can a no contest clause in a will be void?
A will dispute after the testator’s passing is not uncommon. This dispute can be time and resource-consuming. Worse still, it can sow a lasting seed of discord amongst family members. It’s for this among other reasons that a testator might want to add a no-contest...