Many family members find themselves scrambling when it is time to pay for a funeral, whether they expect a death or not. That sort of financial pressure on top of your loved ones' grieving is something that smart preparation may help avoid. According to the National...
A solid estate plan goes beyond a simple will. Planning for the event that you become unable to communicate is also important. In addition to making your wishes clear, each of these documents also involves assigning responsibility to a person of your choosing who will...
Naming an executor is an essential aspect of a solid estate plan. This person is responsible for carrying out numerous tasks, including paying creditors, locating assets, and dispersing inheritances. Your selection must have certain qualities to carry out these tasks...
Many families may see estate planning as a task that they perform once. However, a family's circumstances may change over the years. People should update their will so that it always reflects their current situation. There are several reasons why families may need to...
If you have a trust as part of your estate plan, then you will need to name a trustee. The trustee is the person who will manage the trust assets and ensure everything goes smoothly according to your wishes when you die. However, SmartAsset explains the trustee's...
An estate plan can help you visualize your goals for the future. You can identify what you want for your surviving family members and describe your expectations for the dissolution of your assets. Finding a strategy that works for your family will take time. In fact,...
Many people do not consider planning their estate when they purchase a house. Young homeowners do not always consider the future, but this is understandable during the excitement and months of preparation. However, once you settle into your new home, you should start...
By creating a trust, grantors form a separate entity that may own the assets transferred to it. As noted by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara’s website, real estate titles may list a trust as a property’s owner. A trust’s grantor generally...
For many people in California and throughout the U.S., dealing with the loss of a close friend or loved one is often overwhelming. Not only is it difficult to process emotions that come with a loss, but settling the estate and other affairs may seem daunting. Whether...
California follows community property law. Each spouse owns half of the assets a couple acquired during a marriage. If you die without a will, your surviving spouse may take ownership of half of your shared assets under the California Probate Code. Separate property...
