A: It depends! If you feel confident that your children won't feel negatively about 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've passed. Alternatively, if the distributions to...
A: Absolutely! In fact, it may be more imperative that you have an estate plan in place! The law does not grant unmarried couples who are not legally registered domestic partners the right to inherit from their partner's estate or priority in being appointed as a...
A: Yes! Estate planning is not only about wealth, but also about control, protection, and reducing headaches for the people you love. You should seriously consider a plan if any of these are true: 1. You have minor children. 2. You own a home or other real estate. 3....
A: A pour-over will is an important piece of your estate plan that acts as a fail-safe. It helps ensure that any assets that are unaccounted for are transferred to your trust after your death without the time and expense of a formal probate.
A: A fiduciary is a person or entity who is trusted to act on behalf of others, and who has a legal responsibility to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries. This includes managing finances, making decisions, and carefully overseeing responsibilities with...
A: No, not at all! Since the settlors (the name given to the person that creates the trust) are able to exercise absolute control, dominion and discretion as to all the assets of the trust, no separate EIN will be required, and you will not have to file any separate...
A: Yes! Without a solid estate plan, your intentions won’t matter — only the law will. Working with our attorneys to create an estate plan will help you: Keep inherited assets protected Provide for spouses and children from all family dynamics Prevent future conflict...
A: Yes, but not without an estate plan. Under California’s intestate succession laws (Probate Code §§6400–6414), if you die without estate planning, the State decides who gets your assets. Your long-term partner isn’t on the list—they’re treated as a legal stranger....
A: When you create a trust, you’ll name a successor trustee. This is someone who steps in to administer the trust either because you have become incapacitated or you have passed. This person will manage and distribute your assets according to your wishes, so it’s...
A: Yes, potentially! Starting January 1, 2026, California is reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test for many programs. That means your mom’s eligibility could depend not just on her income, but on what she owns. The rule will limit countable assets to $130,000 for an...
