California residents preparing to start their estate plans might hear a lot about the best way to avoid probate. One of the most popular ways to avoid probate is an irrevocable life insurance trust. An irrevocable life insurance trust is funded with at least one life...
Picking someone to serve as your power of attorney is an important decision because of all the duties your POA will have to perform. In the event you become incapacitated and have to stay in a hospital or a nursing home, your POA will probably have to take steps to...
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act become law on January 1, 2020. No matter what stage of life you belong to, the Secure Act made changes that can help your retirement savings grow. Provisions of the Act can also help you avoid costly fees...
If you already have a start on your will or trust, you are on the right track. One of the biggest decisions you have to make is to assign an executor or trustee. AARP warns that choosing the wrong executor for the job could have serious consequences. Avoid these three...
You have a lot of ground to cover while assembling your estate plan. Not only must you plan to take care of your loved ones after your death, but you must also take care of yourself while still alive. Does your end-of-life strategy include a health care directive? The...
Many people in California forget the importance of beneficiary designations when they are planning their estate. Beneficiary designations can actually take precedence over other documents in your estate plan, so it is crucial to ensure that they are up-to-date. Check...
In California, the law requires a standard will to have at least two witness signatures. These people must also meet legal requirements. If you fail to have the proper witness, your will may not be valid. The court could throw it out in probate, which means your...
If you are ready to start the estate planning process, you probably want to know how you can make sure that your money remains in the family and with those you love. According to U.S. News, the best way to ensure that the money goes where you want it to, you need a...
Despite popular misconceptions, trusts are an essential estate planning tool for many people. You do not need to be ultra-wealthy or have numerous assets to make use of a trust. When used in conjunction with a will, the right trust can safeguard your estate even...
You probably already know that having an estate plan is vital to protect your family after you are gone. However, you might not know all the documents required to make up a valid and legally binding plan. According to AARP, there are five essential documents all...
