Most people want their families to receive as much of their wealth as possible after they die. Some people might think that since their estates are below the federal exemption amount of $11.58 million for estate taxes that they do not need to worry about creating a...
A: Yes! If you don't have an estate plan, now is the time to create one. If you do have an estate plan, you should carefully consider whether it needs to be updated in light of your new marriage. Complicated community property laws and inheritance laws can frustrate...
A: There are many ways to handle this. If you are confident that your children will not have negative feelings regarding the contents of your estate plan, it can be helpful to share your current documents with them so that they know what to do after you have passed....
No one wants to think about their own mortality, as end-of-life issues understandably bring anxiety for most people as well as their beloved family members. But making and talking about these plans while you’re mentally and physically able can actually bring peace of...
A: If your trust was set up over 10 years ago, it may need to be updated to avoid unnecessary costs and administrative work after you or your spouse passes. Trusts created before 2011 were often set up as "A/B Trusts" that must be split into two separate trusts after...
A: Unfortunately not; California does not recognize common-law marriages between long-term, cohabitating partners. The only way for your partner to protect you in the event of his untimely death is for him to put together a well-designed estate plan. If you have any...
There are a number of obstacles that may keep Californians from creating an estate plan. Some people do not want to think about the issues involved. Another obstacle is that there are a number of myths about estate planning. Myths can also lead to people creating an...
A: Absolutely. Your estate plan gives you the opportunity to communicate to your loved ones how you would like belongings that have special meaning to you handled. Whether it be a family heirloom, a box of albums, or an important personal keepsake, your estate plan...
A: Most of us either watched or heard about Oprah's groundbreaking interview with Prince Harry and Megan Markle on Monday. Princess Diana originally left Prince Harry and Prince William around $8.9 million to be fully accessed when they turned 30. However, because of...
A: Special Needs Trusts are designed to supplement, but not supplant, the means-based government assistance and benefits that your loved one is receiving! The language of the SNT establishes that the trust funds are to be used only for specific purposes to improve the...
