In California, estate planning is essential to ensure the financial well-being of yourself and your loved ones. However, many older Americans lack a will or other estate plan. The following insights provide an understanding of some perennial causes and a new trend...
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Guide for planned giving in California estate plans
Planned giving allows California residents to support the charities they care about long after they’re gone. Planned giving is a fundamental part of estate planning for many philanthropists. Even if you didn’t donate much during your lifetime, planned giving is the...
Under what circumstances are unequal inheritances advisable?
If you live in California and plan to distribute your assets unequally to your children in your will, it's best to give them advance warning. Siblings don't always get along, but you don't want your uneven disbursements to splinter your family irreparably. Call a...
Estate planning for an unexpected child
Sometimes, family planning doesn't exactly go as planned. This is all too true for parents in California and around the country who discover they are having an unexpected child years after their other children were born. If you find yourself in this situation, much...
Actions regarding an attorney-in-fact
Estate planning can be more complex than simply drafting a will. In California, people may choose to grant legal authority to a trusted individual to manage their business and financial affairs. This is typically accomplished through a power of attorney document. The...
Reasons why you need an advance directive in California
The unforeseen can befall anyone at any moment, regardless of age or health. If something were to happen to you, you'd want your loved ones or estate administrator to take you to a particular medical facility in California and the healthcare professional to offer the...
Designated beneficiaries are not always named in a will
When creating an estate plan, it is important to consider the beneficiaries listed on financial accounts like retirement plans, annuities and life insurance policies before drafting a will. This is especially true in states like California that have strict community...
Understanding what happens to debts after you die
What happens to debts after one's passing is often a source of concern for California residents who are planning their estate. Individuals should understand that debts do not simply disappear when a person dies, as they generally need to be addressed as part of the...
401(k)s when no beneficiaries are named
Many individuals in California contribute to a 401(k) account in an attempt to plan for their future and have money set aside for retirement. However, it is essential to understand what happens to a person's 401(k) if they pass away without naming a beneficiary....
How intellectual property affects your estate plan
If your California estate includes intellectual property, then there are additional considerations when you’re writing an estate plan. You may want to name beneficiaries for your intellectual property and estimate the potential costs that they’ll incur, such as patent...