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...
As you plan out your estate and who will take care of it when you are gone, you may wonder what kind of person you should choose to be your executor. Considering the amount of responsibility this person has, this choice can seem overwhelming. Learning more about the...
Individuals requiring assistance with their personal care may consider adding the power of attorney documents to their estate plans. Depending on the help needed, you may create a legal document for your medical treatments and a separate one for your finances. You may...
If you have recently become a parent, you know that the bond between a parent and child is extraordinary. You want to take care of and protect your children. You may have high aspirations for your child's future. If something happens to you, you want to know that your...
If you are in the process of setting up an estate plan, or you already have a plan in place and want to review or update your estate plan, you need to take various issues into consideration. From dividing your assets among beneficiaries to the person you place in...
Many individuals create trusts as a part of estate planning, as these documents can assist with protecting money, as well as outlining the plan for dispersal of funds, while the creator of the trust is still living. However, deciding which type of trust suits an...
Due to accidents, illnesses and other such situations, medical emergencies sometimes happen. When they do, decisions often must get made about the types of treatments patients will receive. If the injured or sick cannot speak for themselves, then the decisions about...
Many people in California underestimate the importance of beneficiary designations while planning their estate. Beneficiary designations can allow certain financial assets to pass directly to your heirs, skipping the probate process. A little mistake on your...
